Compiled by Isanka Perera

 THE NEED TO EMPOWER WOMEN

Indira Malwatte shares her thoughts on breaking through the glass ceiling

Q: A recent UN report has found that close to 90 percent of people – both men and women – consciously or unconsciously display prejudice toward women. How do you view this?
A: A woman is similar to the engine of a community. Throughout history, the central role of women in society has ensured its stability, progress and long-term development. When women engage in remunerated work that goes beyond the traditional roles of homemaker and primary caretaker, they become more empowered within the domestic arena as well.

In addition to direct personal advantages, there are also a number of other favourable benefits such as those outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). While SDG Goal 5 aims to achieve gender equality, Goal 8 is to promote full and productive employment, and decent work for all. In addition, there’s Goal 1 on ending poverty, Goal 2 on food security and Goal 3 on ensuring health.

Goal 10 focusses on reducing inequalities, and calls for higher investments in the health and education of children – all of which are beneficial to economic growth. Women are the driving force behind a country’s socioeconomic growth and they must receive due recognition for that.

Q: And how does gender bias remain a significant barrier to women’s career advancement to this day?
A: Unfortunately, many women are used to gender norms that label them as ‘delicate’ or ‘weaker’ than men. But today’s women across the world are challenging preconceived notions and implicit bias regarding gender in their workplaces.

When I was appointed as the first female Chair of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) in its 45 year history, I walked into the boardroom and there were 19 men staring at me. Was it daunting? Not in the slightest. What mattered to me was leading the organisation as a business leader, and bringing professionalism and energy to the board to achieve its objectives.

Q: How would you describe the role of education in the empowerment of women in Sri Lanka?
A: Education is the most important means of empowering women with the knowledge, skills and self-confidence necessary to participate fully in decision making.

UNESCO’s Education 2030 agenda recognises that gender equality calls for an approach that ensures girls and boys, women and men, not only gain access to and complete education cycles, but are empowered equally in and through education.

Sri Lankan women have an immense advantage through the availability of equal opportunities in education. Even with certain limitations and boundaries in our country’s culture, education is the best way to nullify the naysayers.

If you are capable and professional, and if you are on top of your job, there is absolutely nothing stopping women from reaching their goals in life.

Q: What advice would you give women who aspire to break through the glass ceiling especially in male dominated roles or industries?
A: When you’re a woman navigating the male dominated world, the quality of debate and decision making must be firm. My advice is to not let gender be a reason that stands in your way. Believe in yourself and have your sights set on what you want to achieve. There will be obstacles but consider them as minor distractions. Nevertheless, throughout all of this, never lose your femininity.

Never be the ‘token’ woman in a boardroom. Watch the issues carefully and pick your battles strategically.

You will need to acquire a deep understanding of the industry and wide exposure to its operations to make sure that your suggestions don’t fail. Putting across an alternative point of view that’s backed by sufficient research and conviction can persuade even the most obstinate of your male colleagues.

It’s crucial that you build your own network: more often than not, women do not have the advantage of networking beyond office hours as much as men have, due to family commitments. Therefore, it’s critical that you build a professional network and reach out to all possible contacts when you’re in power.

Q: What are some of the key lessons you’ve learned during the course of your career?
A: Create a vision when you are leading an organisation, articulate that vision passionately and share it with your team. Then drive it relentlessly to achieve your planned objectives.

You need to be detail driven, have patience and good communication skills, treat all members the same way and respect everyone’s opinion – and encourage different points of view.

Never look back until success comes your way, no matter what comes in between. Positive results will follow. If you demonstrate success in business and make your way up the ladder, people will recognise you not only as a woman but also as a leader.

A good balance between career and family life is key to being a successful woman leader. Despite all the challenges that come along the way, I value being a woman above all.

Q: And last but not least, what’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
A: These words by Ralph Waldo Emerson have always inspired me: “Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”

The interviewee is an international trade consultant – and a Non-Executive Independent Director of Cargills (Ceylon), Samson International, and Lanka Shipping and Logistics