LADIES VIP NIGHT

Unites For An Enabled World #Eachforequal

Shangri-la Hotel, Colombo partners with Ladies VIP Night for an evening powered by the collective efforts of all. An evening of empowerment, entertainment and unity in keeping with the global theme of #Eachforequal

The Event

Sources cite that women’s equality is still a long way off. There is a strong call-to-action to press forward and continue to progress gender parity. People around the world are mobilising for a future that is more equal, working relentlessly to claim women’s rights and realise their full potential.

The event includes a panel discussion, a unique fashion show featuring top local designers in collaboration with exclusive jewellers. A seated 4-course dinner completes this evening of inspiration and glamour– all for a good cause.

Latika Alok, Event Producer says “At Ladies VIP Night, we are all about uniting women to come together to support one another and inspire each other’s achievements as well as to continue to press for progress and create awareness for gender equality in today’s modern workplace. It is important for organisations to recognise female talent in their workforce and their contribution to society. We are pleased to be supporting

Emerge Lanka Foundation who support young girls between the ages of 10 to 18 who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or the threat of abuse.”

The Event will be held at the Shangri-la Hotel,

Colombo which is perceived as one of the most prestigious and desirable destinations and thus makes it the perfect venue and hospitality partner for this memorable evening. Guests will enjoy a seated 4-course dinner prepared by the hotel’s renowned chefs headed by Executive Chef Patrick Buttgereit. Timothy Wright, General Manager and Vice President of Shangri-la Hotel, Colombo, had this to say “We are delighted to partner with this event. From the inception, Shangri-la Hotel, Colombo has endeavoured to improve gender balance in our workplace. We have understood the need to challenge stereotypes in Sri Lanka and support women in the delicate balancing act between work and family roles. In the ever-evolving landscape of tourism, women’s achievements are key for the industry to thrive.”

Gender Equality is for everyone! #Togetherwecan #Eachforequal

An all men panel of decision makers from diverse industries are invited to join a discussion for “Hard

Talk” as Ladies VIP Night believes, that collectively change is possible.

● Ajay Amalean – Founder

Member of MAS Holdings

● Timothy Wright – Vice

President & General Manager, Shangri-la Hotel, Colombo

● Mano Sekaram – CEO 99X Technology

● Nikhil Advani – CEO AIA Insurance

● Janek Jayasekara – COO – Akbar Brothers Group The panel will be moderated by Savithri Rodrigo, an award winning journalist with thirty years experience, primarily in male bastions.

Fashion Show “Model Transformation”, the first of its kind in Sri Lanka #Fashionforempowerment

As part of the entertainment programme, be ready to watch an unusual theatrical fashion show featuring leading Sri Lankan designers Sonali Dharmawardena, Aslam Hussein, l’atelier Touche, Ramona Oshini, Charini and Limak. In collaboration with exclusive jewellers Colombo Jewellery Stores, Bullion Exchange, Tiesh, Pearl Studio, Summer 67

and Precious Ceylon Gems & Jewellery. The runway sponsors include Ramani Fernando Salons - official

Hair and Make Up Partner, Tresemme - official Hair

Care Partners, Spa Ceylon - Official Make Up & Skin

Care Partners and British Cosmetics - Official Nail

Care Solution Partners.

Other champions of good, responsible businesses officially supporting this Event are AIA - official Life Insurance Partner. AIA Insurance has been recognised as one of the ‘Best Workplaces for Women’ in Sri Lanka, in the inaugural awards presented by Great

Place to Work® Sri Lanka. This was in recognition of AIA’S commitment to promoting gender parity while creating conducive environments for women, in the workplace. As a company that understands that gender parity is central in having a dynamic balanced workforce, AIA’S female staff play an integral part in their business success. Fairfirst, Official General Insurance Partner is a company that’s driven by

values of empathy, authenticity, transparency & social responsibility; they are strong advocates of an inclusive & fair culture which promotes the golden rule of “treating others the same way you’d want to be treated”, Electronic Media, Lite87, Luxury TV Partner Hi TV, Digital Media Partner Hi Online, HI

Magazine, Daily Mirror, Daily FT and Sunday Times.

Print & Design Partner, Anim8. Grand Flora, Official Floral Decor Partners will create the ambience for the evening..dynamic AV, Official Audiovisual Partner. Lanka Premium, Official Wine and Spirit Partner Ladies VIP Night continues to press for progress by promoting Standard Holdings as the Official Sustainable Door Gift Partner creating a step towards a better tomorrow by creating awareness for food packaging solutions made from biodegradable and eco-friendly products.

For A Good Cause – Emerge Lanka Foundation: Empowering Sri Lanka’s Strongest Girls

Emerge Lanka Foundation works with girls 1018 years of age who have survived sexual abuse and are placed in shelters for their protection. The Emerge programme includes Life Skills, Mentorship and its unique Beads-to-business curriculum, teaching girls to make high quality jewellery as well as the entrepreneurial and financial skills enabling them to become independent women as well as leaders of their communities. All the profits are deposited into the girls’ individual savings accounts, which they can use as adults to take care of themselves, and in some cases, their children.

Emerge also runs a Reintegration Programme designed to provide support for the girls after they have left the shelter for a new start on life in the outside world. Emerge aims to establish an empowerment centre designed to increase employability of the girls as well as support them in the crucial 3-month period after leaving shelters. In the frame of a halfway house, the girls are enrolled in curricula that increase their employability as well as connected with resources such as educational and vocational training and business opportunities while providing them with emotional support as well as food and lodging. Emerge Lanka also actively assists them to find jobs and/or get further education.

Emerge continues to keep track of the girls even after they have left the nest, however, the staff are always available to offer advice, assistance or just talk, and meeting the girls every once in a while to make sure they are doing well, culminating in an annual reunion. In 2019, Emerge worked with 145 girl children ranging from 12 to 18 in four government shelters and 33 girls at the Emerge Reintegration Centre who have survived sexual abuse. Supporting

Emerge Lanka Foundation means making a difference to the lives of these girls who have gone through immense trauma and been robbed of their childhood. The courage they have shown in taking action against their perpetrators is nothing short of being heroic.

Event Details & Ticketing

Tickets at Rs 9,500 are limited, so book early by calling the Ticket Hotline on 0778591846. Tickets include “Pink Tea” cocktails by Tea Berry which is a health conscious product rich in antioxidants, an Aperitif hour, a unique Fashion Show, a seated 4-course Dinner, Luxury Door Gifts from Spa Ceylon and Tresemme, Jewellery Giveaways- all for a good cause! There are many more surprises in store for you with luxury gifts and Jewellery Giveaways, this is an event NOT to be missed.

MEN ARE MOST WELCOME

Participating sponsors will be profiled along with Event Updates on the Ladies VIP Night Facebook page, ladies.vip.night. colomboand Instagram page @colombovip

Emerge Lanka Foundation works with girls 10-18 years of age who have survived sexual abuse and are placed in shelters for their protection. The Emerge programme includes Life Skills