(Commonwealth_ Women in Tech, the leading global organization for Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), recently formalized an agreement with Mark and Comm Ltd., a prominent public relations agency based in Colombo, Sri Lanka. This collaboration establishes Mark and Comm Ltd. as the strategic communications partner for the Sri Lanka Chapter of Women in Tech, furthering the organization’s mission to empower five million women worldwide by 2030.
The partnership agreement was officially exchanged on 26 August at Uga Residence in Colombo. Representing Women in Tech’s Sri Lanka Chapter was Chathini Uduwana, the Chapter Ambassador and Vice President of People and Country Head at Typefi Systems. On behalf of Mark and Comm Ltd., Managing Director Thanzyl Thajudeen signed the agreement. Also present at the event were Jezla Latiff, Partnerships Director for the Sri Lanka Chapter, and Chamanie Nanayakkara, Director of Mark and Comm Ltd.
Women in Tech launched its Sri Lanka Chapter in November 2022, marking an important step in expanding its global movement. The chapter’s launch was accompanied by a panel discussion held at Monsoon Colombo, with the support of several sponsors. Sri Lanka’s inclusion into this international network is significant, as it joins 48 other countries across six continents, collectively representing over 200,000 members. The chapter aims to inspire and empower women in the STEAM fields, providing them with opportunities for professional growth and development.
Commenting on the new partnership, Chathini Uduwana expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration with Mark and Comm Ltd. She emphasized the agency’s vast experience in strategic communications and its ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders. “We are excited to announce our official partnership with Mark and Comm given their rich and vast experience in working with diverse stakeholders in strategic communications. Together, we hope to increase our visibility and advocacy in all our areas of interest and activities, to not just empower women but also build a movement comprising passionate members who will be the torchbearers in taking our vision and drive forward,” she said.
Through this partnership, Women in Tech Sri Lanka aims to strengthen its advocacy efforts, increase visibility, and expand its influence in promoting inclusion and diversity in STEAM. By amplifying its message, the organization hopes to build a robust movement of empowered women, with passionate members leading the charge to advance its mission and drive.
Thanzyl Thajudeen, Managing Director of Mark and Comm Ltd., played a pivotal role in setting up the Sri Lanka Chapter of Women in Tech. His involvement stemmed from months of discussions with the organization’s global expansion team and ongoing correspondence with Women in Tech Global Founder and CEO Ayumi Moore Aoki. Thajudeen’s passion for encouraging female participation in STEAM fields, coupled with his vision to position Sri Lanka as a strategic talent hub within the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, was a key motivator behind his efforts.
As the Marketing Director of Women in Tech Sri Lanka Chapter, Thajudeen is dedicated to promoting STEAM education and increasing the participation of women in these disciplines. Speaking about the newly formed partnership, he highlighted Sri Lanka’s potential in terms of talent, particularly in STEAM, where there has been a growing trend of female involvement. “Sri Lanka has a lot of potential when it comes to talent, and more so in the STEAM area, with an upward trend among females. We are truly humbled to be partnering with the Women in Tech Sri Lanka Chapter to raise awareness of STEAM education and inspire the next generation through advocacy, mentoring, and capacity building,” Thajudeen remarked.
