In continuing to play a lead role in helping bridge the gender gap at board level, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) recently launched the Online Directory of Board Ready Female Members of CA Sri Lanka, under the patronage of Ms. Coralie Pietersz, Independent Non-Executive Director of Several Listed Companies.
The Board Ready Female Members Directory, published by CA Sri Lanka, comprises of a talented pool of board-ready female Chartered Accountants who are geared to play a dynamic leadership role at board level across Sri Lanka. This directory comprises of female Chartered Accountants who have been members of CA Sri Lanka for over 10 years and possess the necessary unique management skills and experience to hold board positions.
The website was ceremoniously launched by Mr. Sanjaya Bandara, President of CA Sri Lanka, in the presence of Mr. Heshana Kuruppu, Vice President, Ms. Chamila Cooray, Chairperson of the Women Empowerment and Leadership Development Committee, and Ms. Dulani Fernando, Chief Executive Officer and members of the committee.
Delivering an inspiring keynote, Ms. Pietersz, who is also a Council Member of CA Sri Lanka, highlighted the need for women to step up, have the courage to take risks, and support and encourage each other. "We need to believe that we have got what it takes to be leaders," she said.
Ms. Pietersz also urged everyone to call out stereotypes and biased interview panels and to also challenge men, demanding that they not be influenced by their biases against women. "Encourage women to return to the workforce. We have different talents, different sets of knowledge, skills, and abilities, and different objectives, "she said.
Ms. Pietersz said that women need to believe in themselves, and only then will they be able to take the lead. "We need to believe that we can do it better today