The need for strong female influence

By Divya Thotawatte 

A diverse and esteemed panel of experts recently came together, highlighting how women often possess more qualities of true leaders and also tend to work better in authority positions, but that we rarely recognise them as strong role models. 

This discussion, which was held on the topic of ‘The importance of having strong, impactful, public female role models for the next generation’, was held as part of a national campaign by Lifebuoy Shampoo in partnership with Mullenlowe Sri Lanka. This campaign was carried out to celebrate and create awareness about the noteworthy accomplishments of inspiring women throughout Sri Lanka’s history such as Minnette De Silva, Sirimavo Bandaranaike, Sybil Weththasinghe and Dr. Kamalika Abeyratne.

The panel featured notable figures including retired Acting Chief Justice and Supreme Court Judge Justice Shiranee Tilakawardane, former Cabinet Minister for Housing Madam Ferial Ashraff, Lecturer and Attorney-at-Law Jerusha Crossette-Thambiah, and Child and Adolescent Psychologist Dr. Giselle Dass. The speakers discussed the significance of impactful female figures in shaping the aspirations and dreams of future generations.

The panellists pointed out how women leaders have sometimes contributed much more than male figures who are recognised as leaders of societies. Therefore, most young girls do not have female role models beyond their mother due to this lack of recognition received for women’s work and efforts. Yet, women have more qualities of true leaders like a nurturing nature, empathy, strength and efficiency which should be spotlighted to improve diversity to motivate and empower young girls and women.

“Sometimes we push women to marriage, and that might not be their authentic way of life, and sometimes we push them into a particular career.” Their talents and work could shine more when they are given the opportunity to decide, choose and thrive in their chosen paths of life, working with authenticity, stressed the speakers.

Throughout the dialogue, they expressed their personal viewpoints on the multifaceted roles women play culturally and socially and strategies to recognise and immortalise the contributions made by Sri Lankan women.

As the discussion drew to a close, Unilever Sri Lanka Beauty, Wellbeing, and Personal Care Marketing Director Shamara Silva stated, “Recognising a vital gap in the portrayal of inspiring Sri Lankan female figures, the campaign was launched in partnership with MullenLowe to rectify this imbalance. We’re pleased to announce that the initiative garnered more than 100,000 pledges. For each pledge, we are dedicated to contributing Rs. 5 towards the creation of a statue honouring a remarkable female personality.”

The event wrapped up with a heartfelt invitation for the public to join this worthy cause. Individuals were encouraged to pledge their support and honour these inspiring legacies. To make your pledge and pay homage to these remarkable figures, visit: https://www.inspiregirls.lk/.