BDO Sri Lanka’s women leaders call the shots

A service organisation usually has less focus on physical labour. Its focus is on brains rather than brawn. Thus, it is easily understood that the fairer sex could survive better in a service-oriented entity. Yet, BDO Partners Managing Director Sri Lanka and Maldives has a different opinion. 

“It’s true that in a service organisation like ours, the output is purely dependent on technical skills and soft skills – both of which can be acquired through learning and hard work. Yet− there is still a bias on the female leadership role. It’s not one too difficult to overcome, but it exists,” said Sujeewa Rajapakse. 

BDO boasts of fair representation for gender equality and the firm of CA had always had women leaders over the years. At present there is a good balance at the top, including Partners, Managing Directors, Associate Directors, and Managers. This balance had always added volume to their success over the years by introducing a balanced work culture. 

In understanding the theme for this year’s Women’s Day Celebration “Embrace Equity”, one must understand the bigger picture. Though both words are often used collectively to describe the same, equity and equality have an entirely different meaning. Equality refers to when every person or group is given the exact same resources or opportunities. Equity recognises that some people and groups have different circumstances, which result in unequal access to those opportunities or resources. 

Equity means to seek intentionally, purposely and consciously to address this, by identifying specific, individual needs and offering targeted support to bridge the gap. Equity is the glue that holds diversity and inclusion together. 

In short, using a strong quote from Naheed Dosani: “Equality is giving everyone a shoe; equity is giving everyone a shoe that fits.”

The female leaders in BDO SL have called the shots by embracing equity and diversity. Sarah Afker, Dinusha Rajapakse, Nirosha Vadivel, Iresha Soyza, Jennifer Peiris, Buddhi Pathiraja, Nadeeshani Rathnaweera De Silva and Kiruthiga Kapilan are some of the outgoing characters. Their representation has been visible at various forums and Boards over the years. 

“Yes, women have made great progress in every career, but many believe that at present opportunities are open for women equally. But it in turn is related to the lower pay – certain difficult situations which women take up are said to be by their “choice” and no allowance made for the hardships. This needs to be addressed,” said BDO Corporate Services Managing Director Iresha Soysa.

“The opportunities for females with qualifications are challenging. Sadly, some men undermine the professional advice from a woman. But it had been an obstacle easily overcome by women at BDO and all over the world. They need to build confidence in themselves and reflect this self-belief for others to believe in them,” said Sarah Afker. 

The pandemic and the economic crisis have adversely impacted society in every way. At present we see husbands and fathers who discouraged their daughters and wives to seek employment have now become dependent on them. The burden of the family has come on some women leading to many social issues. Thus, beyond providing financial incentives, employers have now identified the need to provide some flexibility for the women to handle these domestic issues and careers together. The BDO women are lucky to enjoy this benefit.

The Netball Team of BDO were one of the Champion Teams at the CA Students Netball Tournament. Their success is proof of work – life balance and commitment. 

Nirosha Vadivel had this to say about women leaders. “It’s great to see female representation at Board level and sometimes in other various responsible positions. But sadly, sometimes the women do not even try to balance their various roles in life. At the end, they are highlighted for poor performance and sometimes the next in line would also pay the price.” 

Agreeing to her sentiments, Dinusha Rajapakse said: “Women must understand to prioritise their commitment and roles. Without this, not only women, but anyone would be a failure. But the risk is higher for women as the social need for them from their families are more. After all, the child cries for the mother and not for the father.” 

BDO believes in providing emotional strength through mentoring and counselling.

Deputy Managing Partner Ashane Jayasekera said: “The best a female can do is to market her talent. Many females fail to achieve managerial roles or thrive in the roles because they fail to showcase their talent. Sometimes, this is part of Asian culture for the woman to be submissive and even though you hold a certain amount of authority, one fails to voice it out. This could also be coupled with the nature of females to be more compassionate sometimes.” BDO has always pioneered the need to train their female leaders to be mentally stronger and impartial. They are trained to “believe” in themselves in order for everyone else to be able to lay trust on them. So, BDO continues to house many female leaders who are trailblazers. The culture and support in the work environment provides equitable employment opportunities for women at BDO.