Ms. Marian Fernando

National Project Coordinator Care Economy Project ILO 

Marian Fernando is the National Project Coordinator at the International Labour Organization (ILO), leading the RBSA Care Economy Project in Sri Lanka, which promotes decent work and sustainable solutions in the care economy with a focus on care cooperatives. With over 12 years of experience in women’s empowerment, youth engagement, and inclusive governance, she has previously worked with the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and USAID’s Strengthening Democratic Governance and Accountability Project, supporting legislative oversight and women’s political participation. She has also contributed to UNDP and UNFPA initiatives on gender-based violence and post-conflict recovery. Marian holds a Master’s in Development Studies from the University of Colombo and a Bachelor’s in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics from the Asian University for Women, Bangladesh. A recipient of the Rockefeller Fellowship for Academic Excellence, she brings a strong commitment to advancing equality, accountability, and social justice through evidence-based policymaking and inclusive development.