Woman Entrepreneur of the Year 2011:

‘Women’s contribution vital for economic growth’

Sanjeevi Jayasuriya

“We cannot any longer talk about glass ceilings and it has now become glass slippers syndrome, where women follow footsteps of men’s management style,” Asian Development Bank (ADB) Country Director Rita O’Sullivan who was the Guest of Honour at the seventh edition of the Woman Entrepreneur of the Year 2011 which was held yesterday in Colombo. said.

“This is a great opportunity to celebrate womens accomplishments where direct and indirect business expansions facilitate the country’s economic growth.

“It is necessary to advocate and encourage women as they are economically independent and stimulate others to follow,

“Though women labour force participation was nearly one third, most of them were engaged in the informal sector engaging primarily in agriculture, plantation, migration, export oriented manufacturing and production. Women domination could be seen in the lower paid sectors.

“However, their contribution was vital in the country’s economic growth and social development,” she said.

“Women need to re-think about the management style and motivate fellow workers in becoming a role model for budding entrepreneurs,” she said.

The Woman Entrepreneur of the Year 2011 Sandra Beverly Wanduragala, said that the award did not mean that ‘I had achieved some thing. It was only an indication that I was reaching my final goal and this would be a benchmark in my future endeavors.

“ Women’s economic contribution was imperative and they were making waves as drivers of the economic growth.

‘The small steps taken by women to realize their dreams, have enriched the lives of many and recognition of this nature was vital as it inspired others to achieve greater heights,” she added.