WOMEN IN BUSINESS
Dr. Sulochana Segera
BEYOND THE COMFORT ZONES
Societal pressures and barriers restrict women in management positions
Primary challenge women face in ascending to management positions
Overcoming cultural and societal expectations that prioritise traditional gender roles, which often limit opportunities for career advancement.
Cultural expectations of the leadership styles of women in management
Often leads women in management to adopt more collaborative, empathetic and inclusive leadership styles.
How women can adapt
By balancing assertiveness with societal norms that emphasise nurturing and teamwork.
Comparison of leadership abilities with male counterparts
Women should recognise that their leadership abilities are as strong as those of men – without feeling the need to mimic or shadow male behaviours for confidence.
What women should do
Embrace their unique strengths and perspectives, enabling them to lead authentically and effectively.
Effective policies to promote gender diversity
Gender quotas, equal pay legislation, and initiatives like mentorship programmes and leadership development workshops, have been most effective.
Workplace initiatives
Company-wide diversity and inclusion training, and flexible work arrangements, have also played a significant role.
Key motivators for women to pursue entrepreneurship
The desire for independence, financial autonomy, flexibility to balance work and personal life, and a passion for their chosen industry.
The entrepreneurial spirit
In Sri Lanka, many women turn to entrepreneurship as a last resort for economic or social survival, driven by a lack of career opportunities and other alternatives.
Primary industries in which women entrepreneurs thrive
Sri Lankan women entrepreneurs thrive primarily in the textile and garment and food and beverage industries, and small-scale agriculture.
Services sector inroads
Many women are making progress in services such as beauty and wellness, tourism and handicrafts.
Government policies or support programmes
There aren’t any policies specifically aimed at supporting female entrepreneurs although the government acknowledges the importance of empowering women in business.
Government initiatives
Recent efforts have not resulted in any significant policy implementations for women entrepreneurs.
Women’s role in the workforce over the past decade
Their role in the workforce has declined over the past decade, primarily due to the growing responsibilities of child and elderly care.
As a result…
This shift has limited their participation in formal employment and entrepreneurship.
Intergenerational differences affecting career aspirations
By influencing attitudes toward education and employment opportunities, younger generations are more likely to pursue ambitious careers.
Opportunities for older generations
They may face traditional expectations that limit their professional aspirations.
Impact of globalisation on career opportunities available to women
Globalisation has expanded career opportunities for women by creating access to international markets and networks, enabling them to engage in diverse industries.
How globalisation has impacted women
It has facilitated the rise of remote work and entrepreneurship, enabling women to balance work and family responsibilities more effectively.
Media influence on career aspirations among young Sri Lankan women
Many media organisations continue to maintain a traditional mindset despite evolving trends in the country.
Commitment to empowering women
With predominantly male leadership, the portrayal of female role models often appears more as a trend or policy rather than a genuine commitment to support women empowerment.
Women in business challenging and redefining traditional gender norms
Ensuring that successors are selected on the basis of competencies – while fostering a flexible environment for both genders – can create opportunities for innovators and promote inclusivity in the workplace.
Drivers behind women pursuing nontraditional careers
Increased awareness of gender equality, and the desire for personal fulfilment and financial independence.
Women empowerment initiatives transforming the business landscape
They focus on strengthening families by encouraging women to contribute economically, which in turn supports the national economy.
What this entails
Equipping women with updated skills and management training while encouraging them to step outside their comfort zones.
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