An Interactive Dialogue under SDG 05 on Gender Equality : Lunchtime Talk Series Organized by Career Guidance Unit

The Career Guidance Unit of the Faculty of Indigenous Medicine, University of Colombo, successfully organized a Lunchtime Talk under the theme of Gender Equality and Women Empowerment (SDG 05) on 23rd July 2025, titled “Breaking Barriers: A Culinary Journey Towards Women Empowerment.” The event, held from 12.15 p.m. to 1.15 p.m. at the Mini Auditorium, featured Chef Renuka Rathnayake, Sri Lanka’s first female Executive Chef, as the guest speaker. She shared her inspiring journey of overcoming challenges in a male-dominated industry, emphasizing resilience, innovation and mentorship as key elements in empowering women. The session provided valuable insights into real-life leadership success and highlighted the importance of creating inclusive professional spaces. A total of 50 participants, including BAMS and BUMS undergraduates and academic staff actively engaged in the discussion. The event successfully fostered awareness on gender equity, inspired students to challenge stereotypes, and created a meaningful platform to promote women’s empowerment in alignment with SDG 05. The session was coordinated by Dr. (Mrs.) R.H.S.K. De Silva and Dr. (Mrs.) S. Weerasekara under the guidance and support of Prof. PK Perera, Dean, Faculty of Indigenous Medicine.