Baking a Better Future: How FEMForward is Empowering Women to Rise in Matara

By Deogracious Isaac O.
Matara, Sri Lanka—30^th June 2025

In the heart of Matara, three women from different walks of life have discovered one common ingredient for success: the FEMForward initiative. Launched by the World University Service of Canada (WUSC) and funded by Global Affairs Canada, the program—implemented locally by INDECOS—has become a transformative force for young women seeking to build meaningful careers in hospitality, tourism, and culinary arts.

A Lifeline for the Unemployed

At just 22 years old, Vithanage Dulakshi Navodya faced the mounting pressures of unemployment and financial instability. A Matara native, she was unsure of her future until she discovered FEMForward through the INDECOS network.

She enrolled in the Bakery and Pastry training program at the Technical College in Matara, gaining skills that would lead her to a role in the preparation department at KFC. Now aspiring to secure a permanent position, Dulakshi sees a future she never thought possible.

“This program opened doors I didn’t even know existed,” she says. “There are many opportunities in this field. Girls should take them.”

A Comeback for a Graduate

For Dhananiji Sudesha, 32, FEMForward revived a dream she thought she had left behind. Armed with a degree in Tourism and Hospitality from MSU in Malaysia, she returned home to discover an industry lacking structured pathways and few opportunities to apply her skills.

“I came back ready to work, but the industry didn’t have a place for me,” she says.

After reconnecting with INDECOS, she joined FEMForward’s specialized baking and kitchen training. There, she mastered hands-on culinary techniques—croissants, pizza, buns—that her academic training never provided. She now plans to grow within Sri Lanka’s hotel industry, with ambitions of working abroad.

“The training filled the gap between my education and job readiness,” Dhananiji shares. “Now I’m moving forward with confidence.”

A Passion Reignited

Lakshi Ranthilini, 26, once worked on garment assembly lines as a quality checker, but her true passion lay elsewhere. Introduced to FEMForward by her mother, an INDECOS member, Lakshi entered the same bakery and pastry program as Dulakshi and Dhananiji.

There, she found her purpose.

Lakshi excelled in making cakes, bread, and buns and has since earned an NVQ Level 4 certification, a nationally recognized qualification in vocational training. Despite challenges—like the lack of baking equipment at home—she’s undeterred in her dream of launching a bakery that empowers others.

“This field has given me purpose,” Lakshi says. “To any girl who feels stuck—I say, never lose hope. Opportunities are out there.”

One Program, Many Pathways

The stories of Dulakshi, Dhananiji, and Lakshi reflect FEMForward’s broader impact: building skills, boosting confidence, and creating sustainable economic futures for young women. Since its launch, the program has trained dozens of participants in technical and business skills, preparing them for real-world employment in a competitive industry.

INDECOS, a women-led organization with deep roots in Matara, continues to play a vital role in connecting women to opportunities and reshaping community attitudes around gender and employment.

From unemployment and uncertainty to confidence and career ambition, FEMForward is proving that with the right support, Sri Lanka’s young women can do more than just dream—they can lead.