In celebration of International Women’s Day, Amãna Bank organised a virtual panel discussion under the theme ‘Breaking the Bias’ with the participation of Dr Sulochana Segera, Chairperson of the global brand Women in Management (WIM) alongside Ms Zahara Ansary, Country Manager – CIMA Sri Lanka. This event aimed to highlight the importance of current and future roles of women in career, and these conversations provided an opportunity to celebrate the contribution of women around the world, who are leading the change, to build a more sustainable future for the economy. The event was moderated by Ms Muhara Razak, the Bank’s Asst. Product Manager for Card Business & Valued Added Services.
Commenting on the initiative Dr Sulochana Segera said “For women or men, leadership is a skill and there is no significant gender difference that exists in leadership. I am grateful for Amana Bank for having organized such a session to highlight these issues.”
Sharing her thoughts Ms Zahara Ansary said “A world free of biases, stereotypes and discrimination will be a place which is diverse, equitable and inclusive. Differences should be valued and celebrated and it is imperative on all of us to be responsible for our thoughts and actions – every day! That’s when we can collectively break through all the biases in our communities, workplaces, schools and universities. I was delighted to be a part of the IWD session for Amãna Bank. It was refreshing to note the engagement at the session and the aspirations of the young ladies at the Bank! I wish them all the best.”
Commenting on the initiative, the Bank’s Chief Operating Officer Imtiaz Iqbal said “Amãna Bank recognizes the role played by women in society and economy. We believe the younger generation should be exposed to success stories owned by our eminent panellist. I am thankful to all those who participated and benefitted from this discussion”
In line with UNSDG Goal No. 5 on Gender Equality, Amãna Bank is the only Bank in Sri Lanka to provide services exclusively for women which includes Exclusive Ladies’ branch at Head office and exclusive Ladies’ units at selected branches. The Bank also offers exclusive Ladies Saving Accounts, Ladies Current Accounts, Women Entrepreneurship Financing and Exclusive Ladies Debit Card with Online transaction facility and year around offers.
Amana Bank PLC is a stand-alone institution licensed by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange with Jeddah-based IsDB Group being the principal shareholder having a 29.97% shareholding of the Bank. The IsDB Group is a ‘AAA’ rated multilateral development financial institution with a membership of 57 countries. In September 2021 Fitch Ratings Sri Lanka affirmed the National Long Term Rating of Amãna Bank to BB+(lka) with a Stable Outlook. Amãna Bank does not have any subsidiaries, associates, or affiliated institutions.