UNILEVER SRI LANKA
Five powerhouse ladies from the company’s Management Committee share their thoughts on the occasion of International Women’s Day
The Power behind the Purpose at Unilever Sri Lanka
With female representation at almost 60 percent in its Management Committee and 36 percent in managerial roles, Unilever Sri Lanka says it is purposefully moving the needle for gender balance in the corporate world.
Challenging the status quo is something Chairperson and Managing Director Hajar Alafifi Laadel knows a lot about. The youngest of four sisters, she believes in speaking out to have her voice heard – and more than 20 years in the Unilever system hasn’t quelled this instinct.
“Having been assigned to South Africa, the Netherlands and London in the past, work for me is how I express myself. I actually have fun coming to work, which probably stems from the fact that I really like what I do. I must say I’m lucky to be with a company that champions achievements regardless of gender considerations,” she muses.
For Laadel, the purpose of working with Unilever is that it helps her become “a better version” of herself.
She says: “As you climb the ladder, you realise that you’re influencing a wider circle of people and this motivated me to ensure I leave behind only positive energy. Mentoring is something I love doing for my team and those in other markets. I too have had mentors who were a critical support when I needed it the most.”
While acknowledging the role of her family in her success, Laadel also credits her husband for supporting her professional journey.
“I believe that as women, we need to lean on others a little more, which is okay as long as we eliminate the misconception that if you’re a woman you will not achieve,” she notes, adding: “Mentorship for me is even more essential when it comes to women – because I can unshackle other women from preconceived notions about what they can or cannot do.”
Laadel’s vision for women in Sri Lanka is that someday, gender balance will not even be a point of discussion: “While that ideal is still far away, we are pleased to speed it up by inviting women into non-traditional roles.”
She continues: “Eighteen women in the sales function may not seem like much but it is a positive result of our efforts. As a fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) company, having a woman as the head of one of our manufacturing entities is what real women empowerment looks like – and I love it!”
Approaching the issue from a legal perspective, Laksara Marapana – the Head of Legal and Company Secretary – avers that there is a limit to how far women can rise in the legal profession outside corporate law as fewer female lawyers are retained for important cases compared to their male counterparts.
She adds: “There is also a need for greater legal support to provide redress in cases of gender discrimination. But perhaps we need to begin with taking strong legal action against sexual harassment in the workplace and build upwards from there.”
Marapana calls for a mindset change and an enabling environment where women are not discouraged from managing home pressures that may occasionally crop up while at work. At Unilever, women feel empowered as the organisation helps them cope better.
Furthermore, board representation is critical; but given the trend of women dropping out at senior levels, boards are faced with a smaller pool of potential female board appointees. “We need to ask ourselves why and find the solution,” she asserts.
For Sharmila Bandara – the Marketing Director of Home Care, Foods, Refreshments and Water – Unilever has supported her every step of the way, even when personal circumstances have been challenging.
“Every time I had to make a critical career decision, Unilever gave me the space and freedom to achieve my dreams. I don’t think I would have pursued my professional goals with such clarity in any other organisation,” she explains.
Likewise, Bandara delights in supporting female consumers and professional partners: “We have empowered women to uplift their economic situations, and groomed them with confidence and the belief that they too can achieve their dreams through a number of our brand and community related programmes.”
Unilever’s Project Saubhagya is a case in point, facilitating the economic inclusion of women from low income households to earn much needed additional incomes for their homes while also providing them with time to nurture their families.
The Director of Human Resources Ananya Sabharwal instantly felt at home at Unilever because her upbringing was all about seeing everyone as humans beyond their gender, ethnicity and other differences. She found a similar environment in the workplace where the belief is that ‘people with purpose thrive.’
Heading the people agenda for Unilever Sri Lanka, she is grateful for the company’s investment in her through an enriching global career across India, New York, London, the Netherlands and now Sri Lanka.
“In Sri Lanka, our major ambition is to ensure that every employee discovers his or her purpose because each of us has a unique gift to offer to the world,” she states.
Sabharwal elaborates: “Our latest focus in the sphere of diversity and inclusion is on inviting everyone to ‘unmute’ on some key women’s issues. We are doing this by launching our domestic violence support policy for affected employees and a fertility support policy to support parenthood for our female employees.”
Expressing her views, Nilushi Jayatileke – the Marketing Director of Beauty and Personal Care – believes we need to move past talking about gender balance to putting thoughts into action: “Companies need to enable capable women to make it to the top. Women do not drop out for lack of ambition or skills; they drop out if businesses do not adequately support them!”
In her view, families also have a responsibility to support women in different ways at various stages. “The pandemic has disproportionately increased the burden of home and work pressures on women, and companies need to take care of their wellbeing,” she urges.
Another issue close to her heart is addressing the recruitment gap.
“Even if companies want to hire more females, there aren’t enough to choose from. This is why the Glow and Lovely Foundation provides vocational training for women. What inspires me is that I’m marketing brands with purpose – brands that add value. It is this sense of purpose that drives me at Unilever,” Jayatileke concludes.
