Sri Lanka lacks female role models to look up to
While 57 per cent of the 21 million population are women with this working population being less in Sri Lanka, the country lacks female role models to look up to, says Sulochana Segera, Founder and Chairperson of Women in Management (WIM).
She made this comment while speaking at the launch of the 7th ‘Top 50 Professional and Career Women Awards 2017″ held at the Galle Face Hotel in Colombo last week.
“Most of the Sri Lankan women hardly want to open up and carry designations together with their name. There are not many women role models in Sri Lanka for upcoming young women to look up for inspiration and confidence building. Job opportunities for women are limited in Sri Lanka, but the world is waiting with numerous opportunities. Most women professionals are only seen in Colombo,” she added.
The top 50 women will be chosen for the work they have done to the industry they represent and not for the brand name or for their designation. Applications will be open from February 25 and close on May 30. The awards ceremony will be held on July 14 at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel in Colombo.
International Finance Corporation Head of Gender Secretariat, Henriette Kolb speaking at the event mentioned that gender equality is essential for women to come forward and take up higher positions in various sectors. “If the gender gap is addressed around the world, the world gross domestic product will show a growth of US$12 trillion, according to the World Economic Forum report,” she said, while also stating that 1.7 billion women around the world do not own a mobile device as per the report.
Ms. Kolb also mentioned that it would take more than another 150 years for the world to reach gender equality. Through talent, equality is distributed for women but opportunities are limited, she noted.
Head of the panel of judges for the awards and former Lanka Sathosa Chairman, Rohantha Athukorala stated that WIM is also moving into the Maldives to encourage and recognise female entrepreneurs there and further looking to expand into India and Pakistan. He also noted that men and women below 30 years of age will lead the world in the next five years.
It was also mentioned at the event that though Sri Lankan women are very educated and talented, they are afraid to take risks and challenges themselves in the corporate world.