Financial Times

Does the glass ceiling exist?
Women's representation in top corporate executive positions is still small in Sri Lanka. A few cracks have emerged in the 'glass ceiling' as some women have made it right to the top but corporate women leaders face unique challenges and obstacles. However, many talk of gender being of no consequence in this whole scenario of climbing the corporate ladder. Here's what The Sunday Times FT found out from some of the few who have won the battle.

By Thushara Matthias
Despite all obstacles, what is it that makes a woman a successful corporate leader?
There are many factors. Hard work, commitment, handling people sensitively, acquiring knowledge and keeping pace with changing global trends. Often a woman's ability to head an organization is questioned.

Rohini Nanayakkara, CEO of Seylan Bank, recalls the days when she was appointed the first woman CEO of a bank in Sri Lanka - the Bank of Ceylon. Many questions were raised as to whether a woman was capable of heading an organization such as the Bank of Ceylon.

"All that matters is credibility, capability and sincerity of purpose," Nanayakkara said. "Otherwise criticism is unavoidable. We can't preach to others if we are not practising what we preach."

For career women, the obstacles they face are among the topics that are highlighted in any discussion on the matter. The biggest obstacle, Nanayakkara said, is the attitude of men. Men are of the view that women seek privileges and that they have problems with maternity leave and working late hours.

"I think women have to prove themselves. Maternity leave is a woman's right. They should prove that even amidst their responsibilities to the family they will work hard and can be successful."

Can women work like men? Women need not be men, they just have to be themselves but prove that they could play their roles. Indranee Jayasinghe, CEO of Commercial Fund Management Pvt Ltd. was of the view that there is no discrimination against women. She is one of the most experienced women in the corporate world, having worked in both the public and the private sector.

She recalled that way back in 1973 she was the first female staff officer to join the Treasury. It was all new to her. Yet, she said there was no discrimination whatsoever be it in promotional prospects, scholarships or other opportunities.
What do men actually think? "Men generally feel comfortable with other men," said Ajith Nivard Cabraal. "But men have no attitude problem when it comes to successful women."

He believes that whether you are a man or woman doesn't matter at all for a successful career. Why is there a dearth of women in the top ranks of corporate society? It is a man's world they say. Neelanie Goonetillake, President of J. Walter Thompson (Pvt) Ltd, admits that it can be hard for women to break the boundaries of conventional corporate society and create a name for themselves.

"Of course in this part of the world the men have a few more advantages than us. Their college ties work for them! Within the fraternity, many barriers are bridged in business circles due to this fact. Yet I must insist, if we women are able to deliver what is required professionally and are able to relate to things that need addressing without inhibitions then everything falls into place. Gender is of no consequence when you can work through situations undaunted by the fact that you are a woman," said Goonetillake.

In the boardroom, is a woman's voice heard? "Definitely," said Goonetillake. "As far as I see, there is no big struggle. Being a woman has nothing to do with it. It is the contents of what you end up saying that makes the difference. If what you say has depth and meaning it will be heard. If you are professional, personable, principled and sincere in your cause you will be heard." Nanayakkara thinks that in the boardroom there should be diversity and a balance. In Singapore, she said, it has been observed that when women are in the boardroom there is confidence, different opinions and perspectives and that it has even resulted in share prices moving up in some companies.

"The human touch is something that is associated with women," said Nanayakkara. Jayasinghe too was of the view that women are able to throw light on several issues when it comes to discussions in the boardroom. Although society is changing rapidly, women are still the primary caregivers of the family.

"When it comes to balancing family life and work, of course there's a difference in men and women. Actually for women it's much harder. Women play a key role in family life. Therefore support from the husband, relatives and children is necessary," said Nanayakkara.

But she strongly believes that women have to prove themselves to be accepted.
Whether leaders are born or made, how can women be leaders?

"As for leadership in any field, leaders are not mere managers. Leaders are people who have a vision and can make those around them go towards the vision with you. They are people who are not afraid to create and recreate dreams, to charter new territories.

There too, gender should not be an inhibitor," said Goonetillake. Finally the question is: does the glass ceiling still exist? It does not exist in reality but exists most of all in the minds of the women. It is a myth that women can't go forward in a career. It is women who set their own paradigms and build fences around themselves.

Goonetillake said her advice to career women is, "Always remember you are first a human being. This human being should have dreams and aspirations. In short, a vision for yourself. Once you know what you have as a vision for your life just go ahead and strive to achieve that vision without any fear. Don't ever get confused or sidetracked by gender issues. Ultimately, they don't matter."

Nanayakkara said that being a man or a woman is irrelevant. The institution comes first. There should be loyalty when it comes to work. The institution needs to go ahead whoever is in charge.

Sometimes you have to fight for your rights but generally there are equal opportunities when it comes to promotion and training abroad, Nanayakkara said.
"It is the women who back out," she said. She pointed out the fact that in Sri Lanka there's equality in education. She questions as to why females back out when it comes to careers when they perform very well at exams.

Jayasinghe stressed the importance of gaining professional and post-graduate qualifications. She said there is great value in such qualifications. Furthermore, a sound knowledge of English is also essential to move forward in society. So, isn't it time that the glass ceiling cracked forever in Sri Lanka? It's up to women to prove themselves.

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