Empowering women leaders: SLIM concludes Episode 2 of Leading Liyo – Leadership Development Program

SLIM team with the program participants

The Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM) recently conducted the certification ceremony of the Leading Liyo program followed by an Experience Sharing Forum for the aspiring women who successfully completed the Leading Liyo; Leadership Development Program – Episode 2, an initiative under the UNSDG Goal number 05 – Gender Equality.  

The event was graced by MAS Foundation for Change Executive Director Sharika Senanayake, as the guest of honour who delivered a wonderful and inspiring speech for the participants as a motivation for their journey of being groomed as women leaders in the corporate sector. 

The Leading Liyo initiative is aimed at bridging the gender gap in the corporate world and promoting gender equality in the workplace. SLIM extended the scope of Leading Liyo by mentoring the second batch of women leaders to elevate their managerial skills, leadership development skills and knowledge, through a unique blueprint. 

The main objectives of the programme were to help accelerate the careers of high-potential leaders, prepare leaders and emerging executives in becoming more effective influencers who could contribute to the corporate success on a higher level and develop confidence and resilience in women leaders. 

The 2nd Episode of the program covered seven key modules which were conducted by a qualified and well-experienced panel of resource personnel. The topics included, not limited to, leadership and emotional intelligence, work-life balance, barriers/challenges to women leadership, international economics for business, climate emergency and sustainability, technology and geopolitical disruption and boards and governance. 

Opening doors to mentor 50 females as the first batch of the program in 2021, this year’s programme expanded the opportunity to over 100 participants. 

This initiative serves as a platform to guide and encourage women leaders to take on corporate and leadership roles in their respective fields. It also encourages women to move forward and take on the leadership mantle, as breaking workplace gender barriers, and giving equal opportunities for career women is important to put businesses on the fast track to gender parity. It also inspires women to shatter the glass ceilings and create awareness about the significance of workplace gender equality.  

SLIM President Nuwan Gamage commented on this initiative: “SLIM commenced this project to encourage women to make greater contributions to the nation’s economic, political, social, and cultural growth. The Leading Liyo – Leadership Development Programme places a strong emphasis on assisting women in overcoming obstacles and realising their goals, thus advancing the SDG’s 5th goal of gender equality. I see vast potential in all participants and congratulate these aspiring ladies for the successful completion of this program.” 

SLIM Vice President of Events and Sustainability Gayan Perera also commented, “This program was made available for the corporate women with the intention of moulding their skills in order to enhance their contribution towards the triple bottom line. We are excited that we successfully rolled out the 2nd Episode and are looking forward to upgrade and continue this initiative as an annual calendar event of the institute.” 

SLIM CEO/Executive Director Sanath Senanayake stated, “SLIM helps aspiring leaders by fostering their development of knowledge and skills, which enables them to become independent. We consider it a major accomplishment that there are now more women in the workforce than there were previously. More female leaders are welcome to join our next batch as we work to help them gain the skills and knowledge needed to advance the economy of our nation.” 

SLIM Project Chair for Sustainability Projects Dr. Maduka Udunuwara added, “This is the ideal program designed for all corporate females who have a passion to break barriers and move forward. The Leading Liyo – Leadership Development Programme helps accelerate the careers of high-potential leaders, prepares leaders and emerging executives to become more effective influencers who can contribute to corporate success on a higher level and helps develop confidence and resilience in women leaders.”

The SLIM Sustainability Team launched the Women Leadership Development Programme for all corporate females with the purpose of highlighting the avenues that need attention and are important at various levels that would subsequently provide more career opportunities for Sri Lankan women. 

As the national body for marketing in Sri Lanka, this is SLIM’s service to the nation, to encourage and empower women to come forward and become significant stakeholders in leading the economy into stability and growth.