Women undergrads taught leadership

Ramani Kangaraarachchi

A group of university students participated at a workshop on 'Women in Leadership' which was organised by the US Sri Lanka International Visitor Alumni and the US Embassy in Sri Lanka.

US Sri Lanka International Visitor Alumni President Rezani Aziz said it is sad that women's participation in Sri Lanka at all levels is very poor.

She hoped this program will help to motivate and encourage young women to take leadership in the corporate sector as well as other sectors in different levels.

The program covered several areas required to improve leadership qualities of women which included how to project the best image, goal setting, women as change agents, challenges a head and skills required to develop networking and group activities.

The main facilitator, resource person was Susannah Shakow.

She was assisted by Majorie Clifton of Clifton Consultants. Shakow is President of 'Running Start', a program based in the US dedicated to inspiring young women to run for political office and also increase women representation at all levels.

The workshop inspired young women to think 'leadership' during their undergraduate years and was mainly for final year undergrads.

The speakers at the workshop explained how at the rate of development around the world, women are also taking part in this process, but in a much slower pace.

It was observed that women's leadership in the corporate sector as well as in government and politics are much less in number than men. The importance of having women in all areas of the private and public sector is important for the future and to make suitable decisions regarding politics and business.

Women are capable of managing several roles at the same time such as looking after a family, running a home and coordinating the work of their children, also while doing a job were highlighted. When women make decisions they take into consideration several factors and make a decision that is best suited.

Such advantages in decision making will help the country overall if more women are in the decision making process.

Women in leadership positions will make decisions and bring up issues that are affecting them as a whole which in turn will benefit other women in the country and create a better environment.

There are women in leadership. But very few in number and this is what needs to be changed.

It was emphasised that women should take the stand and know that they can be in the same high position in government and be confident of their work.

In many cases both men and women have similar qualifications. However in using these qualifications and taking themselves up the ladder is where women tend to be less in number compared to men.

It was also highlighted that women have a particular style of seeing a problem and making effective decisions and get things done. The women who attended the seminar were told that they should start by doing something rather than speak about an issue, and how not to let themselves down when offered challenges and feel inferior in any situation, but build their self image and go up the ladder.

A panel discussion was held with Supreme Court Judge Shirani Tilakawardena at the chair. The same program was held at the Continental Hotel for women in middle management the previous day.