Seroshi Nandasiri is a social change entrepreneur and the driving force behind the Women’s International Foundation. She is a development sector consultant working as an SME business and marketing specialist, gender and inclusion specialist, and strategic planning specialist. She is also a Rotarian with the Rotary Club of Colombo Uptown in District 3220. Seroshi has a career spanning over 18 years and covers both the semi-government and corporate sectors locally and internationally.
She has a BSc in Marketing Management with first-class honours and the prestigious University gold medal from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura in Sri Lanka, an MSc in Marketing with Distinction and the University Prize for ‘Best Overall Student’ from the University of Hertfordshire in the United Kingdom, and has also completed her professional studies in Management Accounting and Marketing with CIMA-UK and CIM-UK, earning Sri Lankan prizes.
She also has a Diplomacy and International Relations credential and has finished her executive education in Strategic Management at the National University of Singapore (NUS). Seroshi has also completed her training on Gender and Women’s Empowerment from the UN Women Training Centre. Seroshi is a proud Fellow of the Salzburg Global Seminar, a fellowship network of global leaders and change-makers. She has recently been awarded the prestigious Eisenhower Fellowships 2024 Women’s Leadership Programme, recognising her on a global platform. This is a rare, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, with only 22 global women leaders from five continents selected for this esteemed recognition this year. This marks the fourth iteration for the women’s leadership since 2010, and being among this elite group of global women leaders is truly an exceptional achievement.
Q: Can you share with us the significance of your recent achievement and what it means for you personally and professionally?
I am deeply honoured to have been selected for the prestigious Eisenhower Fellowships 2024 Women’s Leadership Programme. This esteemed recognition highlights the significant impact of our work and amplifies our mission, providing an unparalleled platform to extend our reach and influence.
A Gateway to Global Collaboration and Innovation
This fellowship is more than just an accolade; it is a bridge connecting us to a global network of leaders and change-makers. It opens doors for invaluable collaborations and innovative projects that transcend borders. Through this programme, we can engage with other leaders, exchange successful strategies, and bring back a wealth of knowledge to further empower women in Sri Lanka and beyond.
Fortifying Resolve and Equipping for Change
The recognition from Eisenhower Fellowships strengthens my resolve and equips me with the essential tools needed to drive meaningful change. It brings our vision of transforming lives, one woman at a time, closer to reality. This opportunity allows us to not only reflect on our achievements but also to look forward to new horizons of possibility.
Inspiring a Lineage of Empowerment
What makes this recognition particularly beautiful is its ripple effect. It empowers not only me but also a lineage of women in Sri Lanka and the region who will be inspired and uplifted by this honour. I feel truly privileged to be among the 22 global women leaders selected for this fellowship. This privilege is significant in three profound ways: first, it stands as a powerful acknowledgement of my journey and struggles, affirming that perseverance and dedication indeed pay off; second, it honours the collective effort of those who have supported me and the lives we have transformed together. This reciprocal process of giving and healing is a testament to the power of community. Third, it represents a strategic opportunity to advance our mission and realize the shared vision we strive to achieve. This fellowship is not merely a personal accolade; it is a catalyst for furthering our impact and driving meaningful change within our community and beyond.
A Catalyst for Change
The Eisenhower Fellowships 2024 Women’s Leadership Programme is a transformative journey that amplifies our mission and strengthens our commitment to empowering women. It provides a strategic platform to foster collaboration, drive innovation, and achieve sustainable development. This recognition empowers us to make our vision of transforming lives an achievable reality, one woman at a time, because change means one person at a time.
Through this fellowship, we can inspire and empower countless women in Sri Lanka and the region, contributing to a more just, prosperous, and peaceful world. The journey ahead is filled with promise, and I am excited to embrace it with unwavering dedication and resolve.
Q: What inspired you to establish the Women’s International Foundation, and how has your vision evolved since its inception?
We are Building a Legacy through the Women’s International Foundation
The establishment of the Women’s International Foundation (WIF) stands as the most significant achievement of my career. This journey began from a personal experience that profoundly shaped my perspective on empowerment and healing. Instead of succumbing to the hardships, I chose to create something beautiful out of the challenges I faced, transforming pain into a powerful catalyst for change. The foundation of WIF embodies my belief that to love and to be loved is the greatest happiness in the world, and this principle has been the cornerstone of our mission.
Drawing from my extensive background in corporate, government, and development sectors, I integrated a wealth of knowledge and experiences into the construction of WIF. The initial phase was humble, starting with minimal resources but driven by a profound commitment to making a difference. Through relentless effort and unwavering dedication, WIF has grown into something beautiful that spreads hope and empowerment. We still struggle with resources, but our network of volunteers supports us in whatever way possible to keep the support network going.
Our vision at WIF has always been to challenge the status quo and set new trends towards the true empowerment of our communities. This vision has materialised through a range of support programmes designed specifically for women entrepreneurs. Our capacity development programmes encompass general entrepreneurship training, exposure opportunities, and executive development sessions where business plans are crafted, and coaching support is extended. These initiatives are tailored to cater to both Micro-Small and Small-Medium categories of businesses, ensuring a broad and inclusive reach across the country.
In addition to capacity development, we provide robust networking support. This includes fostering connections within our network and extending partnerships with corporates, development sector partners, and government organisations. By creating a strong, supportive community, we enable women entrepreneurs to thrive in an interconnected ecosystem. Furthermore, our business support services cover essential areas such as export facilitation, market access, branding, and marketing support. These services are crucial for the successful operation and growth of businesses.
Our commitment to empowerment extends beyond women. Recently, we launched a groundbreaking program called “Dear Father,” aimed at promoting positive masculinities within society. This initiative addresses a critical gap by engaging men in the conversation about women’s empowerment. Traditionally, women’s organisations have focused solely on women, inadvertently excluding men from the discourse. This exclusion has led to a disconnect, causing numerous social and economic issues, including the drifting of men away from their families.
By breaking this norm, WIF has taken a bold step towards holistic empowerment. The “Dear Father” program educates, engages, and empowers men to be equitable, responsive, and non-violent. An involved father who embodies these qualities can be a true ally in the empowerment of women. Currently piloted in the Colombo district, this program aims to help women, kids, and local communities at large.
WIF’s approach is a testament to the power of inclusive empowerment. By fostering positive masculinities, we create a supportive environment for women’s economic and social advancement. This initiative aligns with our broader vision of transforming lives, one woman at a time, and contributes to building a movement that will inspire and uplift countless individuals.
In essence, the inception of WIF was inspired by a personal journey of transformation and empowerment. Our vision has evolved to encompass a holistic approach that includes both women and men, recognizing that true empowerment requires the active participation and support of all members of society. Through our innovative programmes and unwavering commitment, WIF continues to make a significant impact, paving the way for a more equitable and empowered future for all.
Q. How do you believe your recent accomplishment will impact the work and mission of the Women’s International Foundation?
This is a significant milestone for us in advancing our mission. The ripple effect is profound, offering an unparalleled platform to elevate our initiatives and expand our reach. Being part of a network of distinguished leaders and change-makers will open up new avenues for collaboration, allowing us to connect with like-minded organizations and individuals who share our commitment to women’s empowerment. This network will be instrumental in exchanging ideas, learning from best practices, and fostering innovative approaches to addressing the challenges faced by women in Sri Lanka and beyond.
The knowledge and insights gained from the fellowship will directly inform and improve our programmes. By engaging with global leaders and participating in high-level discussions on leadership, governance, and social impact, I will be able to bring back valuable learnings that can be applied to our capacity development, networking support, and business support services. This will ensure that our programmes remain cutting-edge and responsive to the evolving needs of women entrepreneurs and leaders.
Moreover, the fellowship will enable us to amplify our advocacy efforts. With increased recognition and support, WIF can more effectively champion policies and initiatives that promote gender equality and women’s economic participation. This aligns with our vision of transforming lives through holistic empowerment and driving systemic change.
This will significantly enhance our capacity to drive positive change. It will provide us with the tools and networks needed to scale our impact, ensuring that we continue to empower women and contribute to a more equitable and prosperous society.
Q. What challenges have you faced as a female leader in your field, and how have you overcome them?
As a female leader, I have faced numerous challenges stemming from humble beginnings and a lack of a strong network. Progressing in my career was a slow and steady climb. The motto “slow is smooth, smooth is fast” kept me grounded and motivated during difficult times. In situations where others doubted my abilities, I became my own biggest advocate, driving my perseverance.
Overcoming personal and professional barriers has been an arduous task. Making the right decisions, even when they tested my entire existence, required immense fortitude. I often encountered nepotism, cronyism, and corporate politics, which were disheartening. However, I realised that true empowerment lies in creating your own opportunities. When no one gave me a chance or recognised my potential, I took personal responsibility for forging my path and achieving progress.
Adaptability has been another significant challenge. Initially trained in one area of technical expertise, I learned that meaningful work requires a broad strategic perspective. This necessitated continuous learning and improvement across various fields. Despite the difficulties, I committed to this journey, which has allowed me to maintain a strategic perspective and effectively contribute in diverse capacities.
I am not afraid to explore unconventional paths and take calculated risks.
In summary, my journey is fraught with obstacles, but self-belief, perseverance, and a commitment to continuous growth have helped me overcome these challenges. Each hurdle has strengthened my resolve to create opportunities, break barriers, and drive meaningful change both for me and in my field.
Q. What advice would you give to young women who aspire to make a difference through leadership and advocacy?
To all women aspiring to make a difference through leadership and advocacy, I have three key pieces of advice:
First, discover your purpose and passion as early as possible. Engaging in various discussions, exploring new experiences, and venturing into different fields will help you figure out what truly drives you. Once you identify your passion, it will guide and motivate you throughout your journey.
Second, prepare yourself thoroughly. Seek out organisations that offer the experience and exposure you need to align with your purpose. Build your network, sharpen your technical skills, continuously seek new knowledge, and always be ready to adapt. Preparation is crucial to avoid pitfalls and setbacks, ensuring you are equipped to handle challenges and opportunities alike.
Third, take initiative and start living your purpose. This is where you will find true fulfilment. Mistakes and failures are part of the journey; embrace them, learn from them, and keep moving forward. Your progress might be slow at times, but persistence and belief in yourself are key. Like the growth of the Chinese bamboo tree, significant achievements often take time to manifest.
Additionally, avoid being driven by materialistic pursuits, as they can be fleeting and might lead you astray. Materialism can entangle you in corporate politics and toxic work environments, which are detrimental to your well-being and purpose. Leave such environments—they do not deserve your talent and will waste your time.
To all readers, I encourage you to embrace self-discovery and growth. Challenge conventional definitions of success and carve out your own path.
True success lies in the impact you create and the lives you touch, not in material possessions or societal validation. Believe in your potential, take risks, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Your uniqueness is a strength that can drive change and innovation.
Support and uplift those around you, particularly women and underrepresented groups. True progress is achieved through collective effort and solidarity. Compete only with yourself and collaborate with others. Stay committed to lifelong learning and remain open to new experiences and perspectives.
Our world is full of opportunities for those who dare to dream and act on their visions. Together, we can create a more inclusive, equitable, and compassionate society for future generations. This is what I believe and strive to achieve in my own way. I wish the same for everyone.
