Business leaders to share key insights on women empowerment

• Ladies VIP Night’s International Women’s Day event on 3 March to include panel of top men 

Several top business leaders will share their key insights on women’s empowerment at the Ladies VIP Night’s International Women’s Day flagship event on 3 March at the Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo from 6.00 p.m. onwards.

The all-male panel will be a key highlight of the event, which includes a unique Fashion For Empowerment segment and four-course dinner.

The global theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is #EachforEqual.

Creative Director/VIP Event Producer Latika Alok said gender equality was not just a woman’s issue, as whole workplaces, communities and economies lose out due to gender bias. A balanced world is a better world. Imagine how boring the world would be if we all thought the same. Instead, difference and diversity can breed excitement, equality and innovation. 

In that context, this year Ladies VIP Night has invited an all-male panel of decision-makers from diverse industries to join a discussion for ‘Hard Talk’ as they believe change is only possible if it is a collective effort. The panel comprises MAS Holdings Founder Member Ajay Amalean; Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo Vice President and General Manager Timothy Wright; 99X Technology CEO Mano Sekaram; AIA Insurance CEO Nikhil Advani and Akbar Brothers Group COO Janek Jayasekara.

The panel will be moderated by Savithri Rodrigo, an award-winning journalist with 30 years’ experience, primarily at male bastions.  

“At Ladies VIP Night, we endeavour to unite women to come together to support one another and inspire each other’s achievements as well as to continue to press for progress and create awareness for gender equality in today’s modern workplace. We believe that the consequences of excluding women from the workforce are dire. The benefit of inclusion is paramount. Statistics show that countries with greater gender equality see higher economic growth. Companies with more women on the board see higher returns,” emphasised Alok.

Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo General Manager and Vice President Timothy Wright said: “We are delighted to partner this event. From the inception, Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo has endeavoured to improve the gender balance in our workplace. We have understood the need to challenge stereotypes in Sri Lanka and support women in the delicate balancing act between work and family roles. In the ever-evolving landscape of tourism, women’s achievements are key for the industry to thrive.” 

The other champion of good and responsible businesses officially supporting this event is AIA, the official Life Insurance Partner. AIA Insurance has been recognised as one of the ‘Best Workplaces for Women’ in Sri Lanka, in the inaugural awards presented by Great Place to Work® Sri Lanka. This was in recognition of AIA’s commitment to promoting gender parity while creating conducive environments for women in the workplace. As a company which understands that gender parity is central in having a dynamic balanced workforce, AIA’s female staff play an integral part in their business success.  

Fairfirst, the official General Insurance Partner, is a company which is driven by the values of empathy, authenticity, transparency and social responsibility. It is a strong advocate of an inclusive and fair culture which promotes the golden rule of ‘Treating others the same way you’d want to be treated’. The Electronic Media Partner is Lite87, the Luxury TV Partner is Hi TV, the Digital Media Partner Hi Online and Print Media Partners are HI Magazine, Daily Mirror, Daily FT and the Sunday Times. The Print and Design Partner is Anim8 while Grand Flora is the official Floral Decor Partner and will set the ambience for the evening.  Dynamic AV is the official Audio Visual Partner, Lanka Premium is the official Wine and Spirit Partner and Hameedias is the official Menswear Partner.

Ladies VIP Night continues to press for progress by promoting Standard Holdings as the official Sustainable Door Gift Partner, creating a step towards a better tomorrow by creating awareness for food packaging solutions made from biodegradable and eco-friendly products.  

Emerge Lanka Foundation works with girls aged from 10-18 years who have survived sexual abuse and are placed in shelters for their protection. The Emerge program includes life skills, mentorship and its unique Beads-to-Business curriculum, teaching girls to make high quality jewellery as well as the entrepreneurial and financial skills enabling them to become independent women and leaders of their communities. 

All the profits are deposited in girls’ individual savings accounts, which they can use as adults to take care of themselves, and in some cases, their children. 

Supporting the Emerge Lanka Foundation means making a difference in the lives of these girls who have suffered immense trauma and have been robbed of their childhood. The courage they have shown in taking action against their perpetrators and their efforts to get back on their feet is nothing short of heroic.

Tickets priced at Rs. 9,500 are limited, so book early by calling the ticket hotline on 0778591846. Tickets include ‘Pink Tea’ cocktails by TeaaBerry, which offers health conscious products rich in antioxidants, an Aperitif hour, a unique fashion show, a seated four-course dinner, luxury door gifts from Spa Ceylon and TRESemme, all for a good cause. There are many more surprises in store with luxury door gifts and jewellery giveaways.