In a move to boost women’s employment in the information technology (IT) industry in Sri Lanka and help fill a workforce gap caused by IT professionals’ migration, the Sri Lanka Association of Software Services Companies (SLASSCOM) and Women Technopreneurs Forum (WTech Forum) in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) launched “SheReturns,” a program to bring women back to the tech sector.
SLASSCOM and USAID’s CATALYZE Sri Lanka Private Sector Development (PSD) Activity, launched “SheReturns” at an event Friday at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel that gathered IT professionals, leading companies, potential returnees, and representatives from diplomatic missions. SheReturns will offer comprehensive training to qualified women in the IT and Business Process Management (BPM) industries who have left the industry and want to return, women seeking to transition into the field, and underemployed women in the field seeking to enhance their skills.
Emphasizing the importance of attracting, empowering, and retaining women through women-friendly HR policies, the program also aims to equip companies with essential tools that will enhance the appeal and long-term retention of women in the ICT and knowledge services industry.
“SheReturns aligns with -the United States’ commitment to promoting inclusive economic development across Sri Lanka,” said Christopher Powers, USAID Director of Economic Growth. “In addition, this USAID partnership with SLASSCOM is an example of how the United States works with the private sector to meet and solve the challenges to Sri Lanka’s economic development. We expect this groundbreaking initiative to redefine professional opportunities for women in Sri Lanka’s IT sector by providing a pathway to re-enter the workforce, contribute to industry growth, and drive lasting change.”
The SheReturns program, developed with Sri Lankan IT companies, focuses on software engineering and quality assurance for women who participate. In addition to training, the program includes a three- to six-month internship opportunity with SLASSCOM member companies, concluding with an effort to connect participants to companies with suitable vacancies.
“As leaders, we recognize the incredible talent that exists in every corner of our workforce and that includes females who left the IT & BPM workforce and aspire to re-enter after a break. Extending our support to this program is not just a commitment to gender diversity, but a strategic investment in unlocking a wealth of skills and experiences to bridge the gap in talent within the industry. A program of this nature will foster an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.” – Said Jehan Perinpanayagam, Chairman of SLASSCOM & CEO of Infomate (JKH)
