Women discussed various factors on lack of female representation in leadership roles at a recent seminar. They felt that legislation, societal expectations and lack of opportunities were holding them back from reaching their full potential. They were speaking at the Pulse Taboo 2020 at Trace Expert City, Maradana.
Attorney-at-Law Nethmi Madawela said, “Now it has become the practice in most companies to have women on the board. It is a box-ticking thing. The problem is that she is not given the opportunity to be a part of decision making and even if she does, she is a minority and if it is a majority decision as opposed to a consensus-based board, her voice would not be heard.” She said that it is also problematic that female board members may only be from the elite in society.
Activist Karthiga Athththan said, “Most of the women have to work in the house. They have to look after their children. Their priority is expected to continue with household work. If a particular woman goes for employment, she has to do both office as well as housework. It is very difficult for them to come out of their barriers, which leads them to avoid being selected as confident leaders.”
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