Young Business and Professional Women (YBPW) was launched in Sri Lanka recently. BPW is a global organization which was founded in the US in the 1930tis. Its aim is to develop the professional, leadership and business potential of young women through advocacy, mentoring, networking, skill building and economic empowerment programs.

Sonia Ponnusamy, YBPW President went ahead with setting up the organization as she sees the need and benefit of this kind of association in Sri Lanka. BPW is a non-profit, non-governmental, leading professional women’s organization, which is committed in empowering members to achieve their full potential in and out of the workplace. BPW has currently got 30,000 members in over 90 countries across the globe.

Sri Lanka still has a predominantly male workforce and a very low percentage of women in high ranking positions, which is something that must be amended. Women have as much if not more dedication and loyalty within a job than men. Most women lead multiple lives; at home and at work; however, this does not inhibit them in any way in being successful in both areas.

The launch was attended by an impressive turnout of young female professionals eager to meet like minded women, network and learn from women who have obtained the success they aspire towards. A number of distinguished guest speakers attended the launch and spoke inspirationally about their path to success. Leisha Chandrasena Chairperson of Sri Lanka Telecom and Mobitel spoke about being a woman in a man’s world. Her success and achievements are commendable and should be an example for other women.

Similarly the down to earth and honest story of Ramani Fernando whose hobby turned into her profession in the hair and beauty industry, go to show how a girl from a small town can become a successful business woman. Rosie Senanayake UNP politician in the Western Provincial Council gave the Young BPW’s a truly inspirational speech about women’s role in society, empowerment of women and most importantly the need for more women in top positions.

At the moment there is a 40% drop out level of school children between the ages of 5 to 14. Of those that continue with their education only 2% enter University. Currently women only contribute 1/3 to the Sri Lankan economy, which is a number which will hopefully increase in the future.

In this borderless global village which is the world today Sri Lanka must obtain more knowledge and skills and change its mindset stated Rosie in her speech. "We need to move from a commodity exporter to a smart Sri Lanka", she concluded. It is exactly this which the YBPW Sri Lanka is attempting to achieve, to empower women so they can play a vital role in the future of their nation and the lives of their children.