Inspiration, food and fun; all for women

By Ruqyyaha Deane

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The panelists (above) and guests at the event (below). Pix by Priyantha Wickramaarachchi

As you walked into the Shangri-La ballroom, the ladies were welcomed with a delicate rose and a warm smile, for every woman deserves flowers no matter the occasion. Marking International Women’s week 2019, ‘Ladies VIP Night’ held on March 6 was an evening of empowerment, inspiration and celebration.

Under the theme of Balance for better, an engaging panel discussion moderated by Editor of the Daily FT Nisthar Cassim focused on creating awareness for gender equality and recognising the capacity of women who go above and beyond.

The panel comprised Head of Retail Banking & Wealth Management International, Asia Pacific, Betty Miao, Shehara De Silva who drives the communication and strategy for the ‘No Kunu’ movement, Director of Environmental Sustainability for MAS Holdings Sharika Senanayake, Academy of Design founder Linda Speldewinde, CEO for Mitra’s Digital Business Unit Chinthi Weerasinghe and Miss Sri Lanka for Miss Universe 2019 Ornella Gunasekere.

After lengthy discussions on how to break through the scrutiny of being a working woman as well as a mother, competition in the workplace from other women, and the steps that have been taken to improve opportunities for women in the corporate world a toast was proposed by HSBC CEO Mark Prothero and General Manager of Shangri-La Tim Wright.

Chef Patrick Buttgereit curated a fabulous five course dinner of slow cooked veal loin, clam and bacon chowder, spinach and ricotta ravioli, stuffed chicken breast with truffle polenta and a special International Women’s Day Dome with blueberry mousse.

A heart-warming segment featured Fathers and Daughters who took the runway to model the complementary collaborative collection by husband and wife duo Rob Hernandez and Radhika Perera- Hernandez, King Lois and Lois London respectively.

Donations were collected for the charity for the night which was Give2Lanka which works with several organisations to provide clean water, sanitation, hygiene and education to those who lack access to it.

Event organiser Latika Alok told the Sunday Times, “Connecting, collaborating and celebrating is what we do at these events.” With Ladies VIP night, Alok was grateful that she was able to connect businesses together with meeting old friends and new and forging relationships together.