Great Place to Work® Sri Lanka recently organized an engaging and insightful Event under the theme ‘Building Bridges: Embracing Diversity for Women’s Empowerment’, held at Ramada Colombo , that garnered participation from over 70 individuals.
The event commenced with a thought-provoking panel discussion moderated by Channa Gunawardana, Executive Director/CEO at Dankotuwa Porcelain PLC. The panelists, including Dr. Ramani Gunatilaka, Independent Consultant , Lakmini Wijesundera, Founder and CEO at BoardPAC, Rukshila Seneviratne, Head of Human Resources at Standard Chartered, Sri Lanka, Aditi Ghosh, Country Director, Sri Lanka at ChildFund International and William Baxter, Project Lead – Inclusive Business Practices at The European Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka, shared their insights and experiences on fostering empowerment and inclusivity for women in the workplace.
The discussion centered around women empowerment, featuring inspiring success stories, where the panelists, drawing from their diverse backgrounds and experiences, shared compelling success stories that not only captivated the audience but also ignited a sense of inspiration and determination to effect positive change. Moreover, the panelists discussed practical strategies aimed at bridging the gender gap and dismantling barriers to women’s advancement across various sectors. From advocating for inclusive policies and mentorship programs to challenging traditional gender norms and biases, the discussions were rich with actionable insights. The importance of creating an environment that nurtures and supports women’s growth and leadership was underscored throughout the conversation. The key message of the panel discussion was that by fostering a culture of inclusivity and equity, organizations can harness the full potential of their female workforce, driving innovation, productivity, and overall success.
Furthermore, the event featured an interactive round table discussion focusing on four key areas: Diversity & Equity, Inclusion, Wellbeing, and Empowerment. Attendees were divided into groups to engage in open dialogues about the challenges faced by women in the workplace and brainstorm initiatives and best practices to address these issues effectively.
Each group tackled critical topics from biases and discriminatory practices to cultural norms. Diversity & Equity discussions explored strategies for promoting equal opportunities and representation for women across all levels of leadership and decision-making. Inclusion discussions investigated the importance of creating inclusive workplaces that value and celebrate diversity, fostering a sense of belonging for all employees. Wellbeing discussions addressed the holistic needs of women in the workplace, from mental and emotional health to physical wellness and work-life balance. Empowerment discussions focused on empowering women with the skills, resources, and support they need to thrive professionally and personally.
Overall, the event served as an enriching and empowering gathering, leaving attendees inspired and equipped with valuable insights to drive positive change in their respective workplaces and communities.
