Celebrating Sheroes – Women Who Break Barriers and Lead Change（图）

Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology(SLIIT)library has recently launched an upgraded concept of the Human Library Project.The programme was initiated in March 2025 to coincide with International Women’s Day.Outstanding women leaders from the community will be featured in six bimonthly sessions throughout the year.This project aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals,particularly SDG 5(Gender Equality)and SDG 10(Reduced Inequalities),by promoting women’s voices,leadership,and inclusive dialogue.

Throughout history,women have made unparalleled contributions to the evolution of the world,despite the traditional roles they play as mothers,wives and homemakers.Unfortunately,many of these stories are unheard,untold and unsung.They silently endured the pain,sacrifices and lessons they learnt,though each story is a treasure trove of knowledge for those who seek.

Therefore,the SLIIT library thought of creating a platform to celebrate these accomplished women in the community and to share their unique stories with a wider audience,imparting this tacit and intangible knowledge among the community members.Thus emerged the‘Sheroes Human Library’initiative at the SLIIT.Mrs.Pushpamala Perera,the senior Librarian at SLIIT,being a woman-leader herself,stated that the objective of this project was to celebrate women in the community who have broken barriers and led change in fields traditionally dominated by men such as science,technology,engineering and mathematics.

The series opened with Professor Mahesha Kapurubandara,a distinguished academic at SLIIT,as the first guest speaker.Her heartfelt session captivated students as she shared her remarkable transformation—from a shy,self-doubting young girl to a renowned leader and academic.

With honesty and grace,she shared the story behind her success,becoming a living example of resilience,courage,and inspiration.Her journey resonated deeply with the students,especially young women aspiring to find their voice and make their mark.In her speech,she shared on her belief that while women and men may not lead differently,women often bring a unique blend of empathy,compassion,and quiet strength to leadership.She further explained that leadership extends beyond giving direction to focus on uplifting others,noting that when women lead with heart and purpose,they create lasting and transformative impact.

The next guest speaker, Assistant Professor Mano Weligodapola from the SLIIT Business School delivered an engaging session that highlighted the power of storytelling and shared experiences in building confidence. Her energetic and storytelling way of presenting enthralled the participants while demonstrating the value of learning beyond traditional classroom settings.

The feedback received about this initiative from staff and students was constructive as the participants were able to interact and communicate with the presenters, offering a valuable opportunity to learn and reflect. The sessions were also seen as an excellent way to attract young users to the library through the power of storytelling.

Being true to the Human Library model,each session encouraged an open,interactive discourse,where participants were invited to ask questions and engage deeply with the Sheroes.This format fostered genuine and meaningful connections and understanding between the speaker and the audience.

In conclusion,these sessions were not mere conversations.They were a platform where participants could listen to real stories in real voices,recounting the many years of experience,sacrifices,and diligent dedication,that have truly impacted the community and beyond.

Contributed by Sandun Weerasinghe,Management Associate–Library,Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology Library.

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  Session 1 featuring Professor Mahesha Kapurubandara

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  Session 2 featuring Assistant Professor Mano Weligodapola

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  Feedback from students on the programme