This Women’s Day, H Connect International went beyond celebration—we focused on meaningful conversations and advocacy, tackling a topic rarely discussed in Sri Lankan corporate spaces: menstrual health.
Our team is 60% women, and our leadership team is 51% women, another feat not often seen in corporates in the country and in most of Asia. Dr. Indunil Piyadigama , renowned Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, spoke to us all, helping us understand the complexities of the female body, monthly cycle and reproduction. Overall, this experience opened a conversation on a critical aspect of our lives to create an ecosystem of deeper understanding and compassion across the team.
We dove even deeper into the topic of female health, with our Truth or Myth session, busting common misconceptions. Is menstrual blood toxic? Can you swim during your period? Do period cycles sync with the women around us? These were just a few of the discussions we had in a lighthearted and gamified, yet educational session.
The most inspiring part of the day was Subhashi Nanayakkara, with her story of advocacy. A female empowerment advocate, an ultra-marathon runner, best-selling author, and co-founder – Her words proved to the team that women can wear as many hats as they want and do absolutely anything they are passionate about.
With an impressive global career, with experience in London, Geneva, Bristol, and the UK, Subhashi has worked with the UN, NGOs, and INGOs, serving as the first brand ambassador for World Vision Sri Lanka and currently leading as the Manager for Programs and Partnerships at the Advocata Institute.
Her passion for helping other women not just locally but internationally was a reminder to all of us to be cheerleaders for the women around us, even in the smallest of ways.
As Subhashi begins her next amazing feat – 21 half marathons to fundraise for 21 women within just 21 days – our entire team is rooting for her all the way!
We ended the day closer, better informed, and definitely happier with brownies (and a small keepsake for the gals).
Here’s to driving action and making an impact—for our team, in our industry, and around the world.
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