In mid-July I happen to read an article where a group of more than 150 CEOs from some of the world’s leading companies have signed on to advance diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Although this is good news for many women in corporate roles and those who are entrepreneurs, it also got me thinking as to why such high-powered action continues to be needed to progress gender diversity in the workplace. Why couldn’t this be based on merit on an equal playing field? Of course, years of research, work around this and activism too, shows that this is no easy task; there are cultural and societal constructs, there are in-built systemic issues within society and even the way organizations are structured, which means a lot of conscious work has to happen to move this agenda.
In Sri Lanka we have our own examples of women who have inspired generations to stand up and be heard. Starting from princesses who gave up their lives to save a nation, to the first woman to lead one, Sri Lankan women have had an illustrious history in leadership roles. Our current corporate landscape is also dotted by a few such exceptional women, who not only lead but also inspire.
Recognizing such extraordinary ladies, Women in Management recently held the “Top 50 Professional & Career Women Awards 2017” at a gala ceremony. Women business leaders, both corporate and small/medium entrepreneurs, as well as women in the public sector and civil society, were recognized for their contributions in many fields and sectors.
Among the 50 top-notch women felicitated at the ceremony were two women, who although they do very different job roles are yet united, not only by their femininity but also by a common goal of seeing other women progress in their respective areas of work, and thrive within their families and in their communities.
Rajitha Jayasuriya and Shevanthi Fernando are from MAS Holdings. MAS has had a globally recognized women’s empowerment program since 2003; which makes a tangible difference in the lives of female employees at MAS, by empowering them both in the workplace and in their personal lives.
The empowerment initiative focuses on promoting knowledge, awareness, leadership skills, entrepreneurial spirit, attitudinal changes, and the ability to balance work and personal life through four focus areas: career advancement, skills development, work life balance and rewarding excellence. Driving livelihood development and building capacity through sustainable initiatives, MAS is an enabler of long-term socio-economic empowerment of women, their families and communities.
When I had the honour of meeting these two ladies, Rajitha first struck me as a firm and determined leader. The aura that surrounded her emanated a sense of power and self-confidence. She tells me she joined MAS in 2004 when there really wasn’t a legal department and she was unsure of what she was getting in to. But she was up for a challenge and chose to join MAS instead of going into a more conventional legal role elsewhere, which was the popular advice she got. As MAS grew exponentially, expanded into new geographies and diversified into other fashion and lifestyle areas, the internal demands of driving a globally focused Legal team increased. Today Rajitha leads a full-service all female team of dynamic lawyers, responsible for all corporate law matters, organizational structuring, local to cross border acquisitions, intellectual property law management and corporate governance across MAS’ local and global operations.
“One of my greatest experiences at MAS has been the empowerment and freedom I had to drive change and to make my own choices in establishing a unique legal function that added value to the organization. As the company transformed, I evolved as a person. Every day was a new challenge, a new opportunity and a new lesson”.
Today, thirteen years later Rajitha is Group Director, Legal for a global apparel giant. She has been involved in some of the most ground breaking decisions taken by MAS in terms of expansion, strategic business partnerships, innovations and people related legal and regulatory matters.
Shevanthi who functions as the General Manager Corporate Communications, CSR and Women Advocacy for MAS Intimates comes across as being very passionate about what she does. She is enthusiastic about being able to impact lives (of mainly women and youth) and communities across Sri Lanka and globally, through her job role. She talks about having “Women’s Advocacy” in her designation which is the reality of how important women’s empowerment is to MAS.
Joining MAS Intimates in 2006 as a Senior HR Executive, Shevanthi was excited about the “buzz” around MAS Intimates, the lifestyle and culture. Although her plan was to work in one of the Ratmalana or Panadura offices, she took up the challenge to join Slimline in Pannala; a place a city-girl like her had hardly heard of. This she describes was probably one of the best things that happened to her.
“Going to Pannala and working with rural women who added the greatest value to our business gave me a whole new perspective. I was used to a typical Colombo-based lifestyle but seeing how the team members at Slimline sustained their families, and being a part of their joys and sorrows truly changed my outlook on life”.
As she progressed in her career in Human Resources at MAS Intimates, these initial experiences and insights gave Shevanthi the organizational flexibility to make the most relevant and impactful decisions for people and communities. Shevanthi moved in to her current role in 2012 where she drives strategy and operations in Social Sustainability/Women’s Advocacy; and develops strategy, plans and executes all branding, external and internal communications for MAS Intimates globally.
More than their personal achievements, highlight for these two women has been their contribution to “empowerment” within the MAS culture. Both ladies echo how the leadership of MAS has always believed in and encouraged not only professional development, but also personal growth, extending support to anyone at any level to achieve their dreams.
Rajitha and Shevanthi are both actively involved with initiatives progressing gender, inclusivity and diversity across MAS.
Shevanthi says “Most companies remain gender-imbalanced and this leads to blind spots, gaps, and missed opportunities, which impact the bottom line, long term growth and employee satisfaction. The emerging corporate success stories are from companies that are inclusive, innovative and attentive to gender. At MAS we always work towards ensuring a workplace, and life, that works for women.”
“We want all the women of MAS to have the same opportunities we did, and be able to thrive in their work and personal lives on their own terms,” concludes Rajitha.
Written by Nishu Hassim