Unilever helps undergraduate women build careers

Unilever helps undergraduate women in Sri Lanka build careers Unilever Sri Lanka together with the Sri Lanka Federation for Undergraduate Women launched their project 'Building Career Women of Sri Lanka' at the auditorium of the Sri Lanka Federation of Undergraduate Women. Aimed at empowering undergraduate women with skills that would give them the edge to compete in the job market, this six month long initiative is in line with Unilever's commitment to develop leadership among women in Sri Lanka. At the launch of 'Building Career Women of Sri Lanka' the Head of the Sri Lanka Federation for Undergraduate Women (SLFUW), Col. Dr. Udula Krishnaratne, spoke about the difficulties that women sometimes have to face in the professional arena, and the need for them to be encouraged and equipped to deal with these challenges. She also thanked Unilever for supporting the SLFUW in their cause of developing undergraduate women in Sri Lanka.

Also speaking at the event, Marketing Director at Unilever Sri Lanka,Ramani Samarasundera, highlighted the inherent qualities of women that make them great leaders in the corporate world. Using the metaphor of the lotus, Ms Samarasundera said women have the same strength, perseverance, adaptability, resourcefulness, and beauty that allow them to survive all odds and flourish despite its circumstances. She also emphasized how these qualities enable women to balance life with career.

Director Human Resources, Unilever Sri Lanka, Sanadamali Perera spoke about the key qualities that make for a successful woman in the work place, having the requisite knowledge and competencies, leadership skills, the ability to compete and push boundaries, and a profile of what makes one different from others.

The Building Career Women of Sri Lanka initiative aims to educate, enhance

and support the development of undergraduate women from local universities on employability skills. The programme includes workshops on leadership, team building, presentation skills, communication skills, facing interviews and presenting credible curriculum vitaes.

Unilever Sri Lanka is one of the biggest FMCG companies in Sri Lanka with a diverse portfolio of categories ranging from homecare, oral hygiene, personal care to food solutions. Unilever Sri Lanka produces 95% of its products locally with a 75 year long manufacturing presence with Sunlight, Lux and Pears Rose.