GN Division, Navimana South, February 2025 — In the heart of Navimana South, where traditional gender roles often limit women’s opportunities, one woman has dared to defy the odds. Aruna Kalyani Liyanage, once a stay-at-home wife, is now a thriving entrepreneur, a community leader, and an inspiration to women far and wide. Her story is a testament to resilience, empowerment, and the life-changing impact of initiatives like the Women’s Empowerment Program (WEP) with IGNI+E’s volunteer support.
A Life-Changing Opportunity
Aruna’s journey to success began with a simple desire for change. She and her husband ran a small brick-making business, but limited financial knowledge and resources kept them from scaling. Like many women in her community, Aruna’s role was traditionally confined to managing the household. But everything changed when she joined WEP, an initiative by INDECOS designed to equip women with essential skills in business and financial management.
“I didn’t know anything about running a business before WEP,” Aruna recalls with a smile. “I just helped my husband here and there. But after learning about management, budgeting, and leadership, I took the bold step of becoming an equal partner in our business.”