SLID hosts ‘Women on Boards – The Power of Networking’

Monday, 15 March 2021 03:05 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Unilever Chairman Hajar Alafifi

IFC Support Centre Nominee Director Marie-Laurance Guy

JKH INED Premila Perera

Women Corporate Directors CEO Susan Keating

ICCSL Chairman Dinesh Weerakkody

Recent studies conduct by the IFC have shown that female representation on the boards of companies listed with the CSE is as low as 8.5%, lagging behind global trends.

As the world of business slowly adjusts itself to the post-C19 work environment, there is an increased focus on gender diversity and inclusivity in the corporate boardroom. Studies show that not only is this the right thing to do but appointing women, simply makes business sense and enhances board effectiveness.

The Sri Lanka Institute of Directors (SLID) being in the forefront of corporate governance has recognised the need to promote increased diversity in the Boardroom and to further this initiative launched the ‘Women Directors’ Forum’ in 2018.

In recognition of the world Women’s Day falling in March, SLID in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Women Corporate Directors (WCD) has organised a webinar titled ‘Women on Boards – Power of Networking’ on 15 March at 6.00 p.m. via Zoom featuring an eminent panel of speakers comprising Women Corporate Directors (WCD) CEO Susan Keating, IFC Support Centre Nominee Director Marie-Laurence Guy, John Keells Holdings Board Director Premila Perera and Unilever Sri Lanka Chairperson Hajar Alafifi. The session will be moderated by International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Sri Lanka Chairman Dinesh Weerakkoday.

Women Directors Forum Chair Aroshi Nanayakkara commenting on this initiative stated, “We are delighted to bring such a highly recognised panel of speakers together for the benefit of the Sri Lankan audience. The global and local perspectives that will be shared will truly be beneficial in enhancing gender diversity on many Boards. At the webinar, we will also be launching a competition where eligible women directors will get the opportunity of joining the WCD for a period of one year supported by the IFC and the Government of Australia. As such, we would like to encourage all Board Directors and those aspiring to Board positions to join us for this interactive webinar.”

The Women Directors’ Forum will also be launching a training and mentorship program based on global best practices for ‘Board Ready Women’ in the near future. This initiative was setup with the objective of creating a strong pipeline of female leaders in the private and public sectors.

To participate email: [email protected] or telephone: 0113620613.