International Women’s Day is a global day, celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also calls a mark to action for accelerating women’s equality. This year’s International Women’s Day 2024 campaign theme is: “Inspire Inclusion, Count Her In: Accelerating Gender Equality Through Economic Empowerment”. The theme aligns with the priority theme for the UN 68th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW 68) and will examine pathways to greater economic inclusion for women and girls worldwide In keeping with the theme for IWD 2024,  Anusha David poses a pertinent question, to a cross-section of women who are all leaders in their own right, giving voice to their sentiments regarding this all-important day in the world’s calendar. Anusha David is the Chairperson of Headlines PR & Events and a Partner of Interbrand Sri Lanka & the Maldives. Headlines PR is one of the leading providers of PR in Sri Lanka, while Interbrand is the world’s leading brand consultancy, with a network of 31 offices in 27 countries.

Ameena Hussein - Writer and Publisher

Sri Lanka is still a very traditional society. Even if women are financially independent and contribute equally to the family, they are expected to be in charge of children and running the house. Until women and men begin to think of each other as contributing equally yet differently towards the well-being of the family and country, there is always a cost to women reaching their fullest potential. It is a long tough road ahead but I see a light at the end of the tunnel. Younger men and women are more receptive to each other’s needs and aspirations and that in itself is progress. 

Dr Shweta Chandra - Manager Learning and Development /Taj Samudra

Women have been constantly breaking the glass ceiling, proving their pre-eminence, and leading a positive change, thus bringing about acceptance and being valued globally.  I have been a part of IHCL and see this through the lenses of TATA values where feminine acceptance has gone beyond the barriers of pervasive bias and prejudice paving the way to unleash their full potential. This is evident in the healthy female representation at leadership positions minimising power gaps. This has created a culture of humble partnership and collaborative behaviour which no longer requires the allyship of men as a catalyst to support women’s potential growth – “Empowered women thrive.”

Manoji Wadugodapitiya - Chairperson and  M/D of Pams Hydro Power Pvt Ltd/ Arsulana Eco Lodge Pvt Ltd/ Simply  Women Pvt Ltd

It was Buddhism that facilitated the liberation of women and gave them parity. Over the ages with diligence and consistency, women have struggled to emerge as a formidable force. The Lankan woman is no exception. She has excelled in all fields, including the corporate world as well as sports. She has proved to men – ‘what you can do, I can do better ‘. Sri Lanka produced the first-ever female prime minister in the world. A Lankan woman scaled Everest. The Lankan women’s achievements are numerous. She could not have done so much without the cooperation and support of men. It is said that behind every successful man, there is a woman. This says it all.

Sulakshana de Mel - Social and Cultural Anthropologist & Gender Activist

Sri Lanka is facing one of its worst economic crises since its independence in 1948. If we are to emerge triumphant as a phoenix nation rising from its ashes, we need the equal contribution of both women and men in this herculean task. We can no longer overlook the urgent need for equal contribution of women who consist of 52% percent of Sri Lanka’s population. Creating an enabling environment where both women and men could be equal partners is fundamental. A key obstacle that prevents equal participation and contribution of women is the prevalence of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) at all levels in our society, which is not spoken loud or acknowledged in public due to social stigma. Although Sri Lanka has historically exhibited higher gender equality and related human development indicators, recent years have witnessed a concerning deterioration in these indicators, raising questions about the nation’s commitment to gender equality. Regardless of geographic location, women continue to face disparities in income, bear a disproportionate burden of unpaid housework and childcare, and remain underrepresented in leadership and decision-making positions across public and private sectors. Men predominantly shape laws, lead governments, and manage major corporations. Sri Lanka records a low female labour force participation of 33% which does not reflect the educational achievements that women have gained over the years. Despite policy advancements, sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) remains pervasive in Sri Lanka, affecting families, workplaces, and communities.

Rooted in deep-seated social norms, economic disparities, and poverty, GBV is a pressing issue. Disturbingly, one in five women in Sri Lanka has experienced sexual and/or physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime, and one in four has experienced such violence since the age of 15. If women are to reach their full potential and contribute to the development concerns of the country, boys and men too need to play a pivotal role in advocating for change, acknowledging SGBV suffered by women while challenging the social stigma that surrounds SGBV. They need to assume their responsibility as not only part of the problem but also as equal contenders in seeking solutions that will contribute towards creating enabling environments for women and girls to reach their full potential.

Ramanie Kunanayagam - Panel Member and Former Chairperson: World Bank Inspection Panel, World Bank 

The first decade of this century saw strong gains towards legal gender equality but since 2010 the reform momentum has slowed. Only 14 countries, all in the OECD, have a legal framework where men and women are on equal footing. These cover workplace, pay, marriage, parenthood, entrepreneurship, assets and pension.  This means 176 economies maintain legal barriers that prevent the full economic participation of women. Countries cannot move forward if half of their citizens are held back. While Sri Lanka scores better than in its South Asian neighbours with the exception of Nepal, which scores the highest, these figures can be misleading. The data collected pertains mainly to Colombo, not to rural areas.  In Sri Lanka 1 in 5 women have suffered sexual and/or physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime, and 1 in 4 women (24.9%) in Sri Lanka have experienced sexual and/or physical violence since the age of 15 (2019). Among female university students over 57% have admitted to knowing instances of verbal abuse and sexual harassment. Ensuring equal opportunity, respect and treatment to men and women has to start from early education and needs to incorporate measures to overcome cultural, economic, social and legal barriers.

Shehani de Alwis - Senior Consultant Solicitor, Burgess Okoh Saunders    

From a global perspective, women have come a long way in terms of access to equal and fair(er) opportunity, and their valuable contributions to society are being increasingly recognised. Some men still struggle with women’s expanding personal and professional emancipation. Certain unhelpful ‘masculine’ peer pressures and macho, ego-driven cultures thrive in promoting rivalry over reconciliation or collaboration.  I was brought up with my brother and cousin-brothers which has shaped my outlook on life. In this spirit of equality, it helped me achieve a variety of successes which has empowered my relationships with male counterparts whom I consider allies. A strong alliance is essential in moving forward if together we are to shape a happier, more progressive, and creative landscape. A horizon such as this could only be of benefit to men and women alike.

Neelika Malavige - Professor, Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, University of Sri Jayewardenepura  

I think in Sri Lanka and in many countries, men perceive women in a very traditional role. However, we see that in Sri Lanka many parents do want their daughters to fulfil their dreams and achieve their fullest potential. What we see is that when women have children, due to family commitments and lack of support, most have to give up on their dreams. While I believe women do have the main carer’s role, having a supportive spouse and a work environment can make a huge difference in seeing that both men and women, pursue their dreams.

Natasha Boralessa - Director ESG & Member of the Ombuds Office, Brandix Apparel Ltd.  

Globally, men are gradually more appreciative of the intrinsic value of women and girls in society. Despite strides in labour force participation, entrepreneurship and education, the reality is that women earn 77 cents for every dollar earned by men. This disparity underscores the need for men to become steadfast allies in dismantling systemic inequalities. Women’s multifaceted contributions to the economy, from formal employment to entrepreneurship and unpaid labour, are undeniable. True progress requires collective action in fostering inclusive environments that empower women to reach their fullest potential. This is a journey and a belief that must be given root at a tender age, so men and women together can create an equitable future. It’s time men stand alongside women as champions of gender equality, where every individual, regardless of gender, thrives.

Anne-Marie Cade - Award-Winning Lawyer, Nationally Accredited Mediator, Parenting Coordinator

The general trend in the workforce was for men to focus solely on career opportunities while women focused on their careers as well as on domestic duties. This is slowly changing with men recognising the value of the key role women play and are now willing to share in domestic duties and child-rearing. Women’s empowerment is a critical element of gender equality but gender equality is not a “women’s issue” alone, nor can it be advanced solely through women’s efforts. Men are important allies who can share the responsibility and participate actively in this agenda.  Men’s action is necessary in the gender equality equation because men continue to hold influential decision-making positions. As allies, men can be game-changers in transforming the political cultures and institutions that uphold harmful gender norms.

Madhmita Guha - Country Managing Director, Sri Lanka

When we acknowledge and support the rights and aspirations of women, we not only uplift individuals but also make possible a more inclusive and prosperous society. In the words of Malala Yousafzai, "We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back." It follows that it is incumbent on organisations to actively involve women in their decision-making processes and to promote their economic empowerment.
 
From advocating for equal pay and breaking down gender barriers in the workplace to supporting policies and initiatives that provide access to education and entrepreneurship opportunities, organisations around the world have played an instrumental in fostering environments where women can thrive economically. Moreover, by challenging societal norms and stereotypes that limit women's economic participation, we can all contribute to dismantling systemic barriers and creating more inclusive societies.
 
At Intertek, a leading Total Quality Assurance provider to industries worldwide, our MOSAIC program outlines a global charter for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion that resonates directly with the Sri Lankan culture. On IWD, let’s commit to being unwavering allies, advocates, and catalysts for change, inspiring inclusion and ensuring that every woman has the opportunity to thrive

by Anusha David