Last month I was fortunate enough to visit Sri Lanka with friends. It’s an amazing country with a rich history, lovely people, stunning sunsets…….and really good tea!
To coincide with International Woman’s Day, we visited a school run by Room To Read – an NGO that I’ve supported for a number of years. Room To Read are on a mission to transform the lives of millions of children in the developing countries of Asia and Africa by focusing on literacy and gender equality in education. Beyond building schools and libraries – they train teachers, run a Girls Education Program and publish local language children’s books.
During our long mini bus journey into the rural farming communities in northern Sri Lanka where the school was based, I had a long and inspiring conversation with Shevanthi Jayasuriya – our host and Room To Read’s Country Director for Sri Lanka.
We talked about Sri Lankan history, education, her career, gender equality, the role of woman in business and, of course, Sri Lankan tea (..that’s my British-Indian roots!)
It was a fascinating conversation. So I asked Shevanthi if she would allow me to interview her so that I could share her story and insights with a wider audience. The result is this discussion below:
An interview with Shevanthi Jayasuriya
Country Director at Room to Read Sri Lanka
Sital: Shevanthi, prior to joining Room To Read in 2013, you had a varied career. Can you share a quick overview?
Shevanthi: I have spent the majority of my career in the corporate world in a variety of leadership positions in marketing and general management across business, government and non- international donor/nonprofit industries.
This included 16 years working with Capital Maharaja Organization – a major Sri Lankan conglomerate – where I worked across Travel, Television and Radio, Mobile Communication, Public Affairs and Merchant Banking.
Sital: That really is varied. It sounds like you’ve taken yourself out of your comfort zone on more than one occasion!
Shevanthi: Indeed I have! I could have sat back and taken the comfortable route – but I chose to make some bold choices. For example……though my training was in the airline industry I took on a job in Television. It was a completely new field for me. I challenged my self again when I joined the Mobile Telecommunication industry – again, it was completely a new field.
Sital: So how did you find yourself leaving the corporate world to join an NGO?
Shevanthi: Well, after being a part of the corporate world for many years, I reached a point in my life where I felt something was missing. Even during my corporate life, I used to be very involved with supporting women, children and animal welfare activities wherever I could. In fact, while working for Maharaja’s, I was sent to set up the communications unit for the Secretariat Coordinating the Peace Process during Sri Lankan Civil War – and that’s how I got connected to the non-profit world. At this point, I realized I could use my experience and expertise to help non-profits. Thus, the start of my joining a NGO.
Sital: Much of the work you do today is dedicated to achieving gender equality in education and literacy in Sri Lanka. Can you explain why this is so critical?
Shevanthi: Many people do not realize that the largest source of foreign income for Sri Lanka comes from unskilled labor of our women going to Middle Eastern countries. In addition, many women work in the lower ranks of the apparel sector or work as tea packers in the tea plantation sectors. Only 35% of women contribute to the economy, even though our population consists of more women than men. As a result, there are huge disparities which Sri Lanka does a good job at covering up. In order for our country to progress, we need to ensure women are educated and encouraged to pursue skilled job opportunities.
In terms of literacy, even though Sri Lanka is ranked high in terms of literacy that definition is no longer applicable as Sri Lanka is a developing country. In fact, in reality many do not comprehend what they are reading. As a result, the grade 5 scholarship exam demonstrated this weakness. For this 5-sentence essay question, 71.6% of children got a zero on the question.
Therefore, in order to prepare a child for their future, it is important that we give a conducive learning system where a child is able to read and write with comprehension by the time they are in grade 3. This will lay the foundation for a great educational journey and eventual career.
Sital: Yes, at your schools in Sri Lank I saw first-hand the work you undertake to provide the foundation for girls to find skilled work as adults. So let’s move the conversation to gender equality in the work place: In your view – why aren’t there more woman in key roles in Sri Lanka and the wider Asia region? Specifally – in leadership roles in business.
Shevanthi: One of the main reasons is the fact that the role of bringing up children is entirely borne by women in Asia. As a result, even educated women take a break in their career in order to fulfil this responsibility. After which, it is very difficult to come back to the workplace. In addition, a lack of child care benefits from companies, cost of child care, lack of paternity and maternity leave, and lack of flexible working hours are to name a few challenges.
There are also policy restrictions in some countries. For example, women are not allowed to work after 7pm according to the law due to a lack of public transportation, lack of security, etc.
The culture of encouraging women and empowering them does not exist. In parts of Asia, the idea of a women is still at home as opposed to being in business. Until we change this culture and mindset, it will be very difficult for women to come up. Due to this culture, many corporations are also reluctant to hire women.
Sital: I have seen much of what you say first hand across Asia and beyond: But as a man – help me better understand what it’s like being an Asian woman leader in business? What are some of the nuances and challenges you wish more people would understand?
Shevanthi: One of the first things is expectations. In Asia, many expect to see a man as the leader and are often surprised that it’s a woman as the role of leadership is traditionally defined as the man. Therefore, when a woman leads, people sometimes don’t take us as seriously or we are often viewed as bossy and a “wannabe” as opposed to an educated and experience leader.
There are certain boundaries that we have to set and follow in the business world. For example, we have to have very clear lines as to who my colleagues are and my friends are. Women need to keep more of a distance because my friendliness can be taken as a weakness or as an invitation to something else. Therefore, women have to be more reserved and more careful in a workplace. We have to always be on guard in order to ensure those boundaries are understood by everybody.
To break the stereotype, we have to put more effort than a man in order to prove our worth. We never stop proving our worth. We have to keep proving even though our experience and our work ethic should speak for itself.
Sital: If you were advising corporations seeking to achieve greater gender equality in their leadership teams in Sri Lanka – and indeed the wider Asia region, what would be your key advice and suggestions?
Shevanthi: Hire the person suitable for the job regardless of gender. Forget gender when looking at an application. By doing so, you will find plenty of qualified females.
Do not be scared to hire females. Get out of the mindset that women will get pregnant and leave. Many young educated women are career-minded and are willing to balance it with their family responsibilities. Therefore, get out of that mindset that all women working will get pregnant and leave. We live in a different world now. By doing so, you’ll be able to attract good women and retain these skilled women. Great example is Standard Chartered Bank. Have a look at their policies to get an understanding of best practice.
In addition, have company policies that are gender sensitive and flexible working hours that would allow women to take care of their family and also work.
Sital: Based on your own experience, what’s your guidance to Asian woman? What can they be doing more of / less of to secure leadership roles – and then continue their progression to take on bigger and more influential positions?
Shevanthi: To accept challenges without being scared. Come forward and ask for more work. Be open and talk about it. The more we talk about it, the more we put our foot down and demand for work that we deserve, the more we will be able to progress. As women, we have to be more assertive and offer more initiative than the average man. We have to show what we are capable of and then people will start noticing. We need to show by example.
Dream big and challenge yourself to grow and push yourself to see what you can achieve.
Sital: You talk of being assertive. Much is said about the need for Asians in general – Asian woman in particular to “speak up” and be more assertive in the work place. Given the cultural heritage of many Asians where there is some cultural pre-disposition to not speaking up, how can Asian woman be more influential and speak up whilst still be authentic to their values and personal styles?
Shevanthi: Speaking up as nothing to do with values or your ability to do your job. Therefore, this mindset people need to understand. You have to understand that the work culture is different – and in order to succeed you have to speak up and challenge people. It is part of being professional and challenging yourself to grow and do better.
If you’re someone who has a certain personal style, then you have to join a career that suits your personal style. Remember, businesses require all kinds of styles, but if you’re not willing to put yourself out there, then it will be very difficult to survive.
Sital: What about men? What can we do in our roles as leaders, colleagues or husbands/partners to help achieve gender equality and help woman be more influential in the boardroom and other leadership roles?
Shevanthi: Accept and respect women as your equal colleague or as a partner. Help create those opportunities for your colleagues or partners to speak. Create a conducive environment.
Understand that bringing up a family is a joint responsibility and not just of a woman’s. This will also help children become more balanced and the household will be balanced thereby breaking gender stereotypes.
Sital: As you reflect back at your own career, what advice would you have given to your 21-year old self? What guidance would you give to the Asian girls today in their teens and 20s with aspirations to play leadership roles in businesses?
Shevanthi: I would cheer on my 21-year old self! I took bold decisions, and I am glad I did so. Therefore, my advice would be to cheer myself on and to keep going after those bold dreams. Because if you do not try, you will never know.
Girls should be willing to take chances and to keep following their dreams regardless of what people say or do. Keep pushing through and you will see the light. Keep educating yourself. Read books. Read anything anywhere. Read about the industry. Read about your job. Be aware. Watch people to see how to do thing and how not to do things. Most importantly, be humble. Ask for help if you need it. Do not be shy. We all need help.
Sital: Very inspiring. Indeed, I’m sure many readers will be inspired by the work you get to participate in each day at Room To Read. But many won’t be ready to take the leap like you did. How would you suggest people undertake more meaningful work without changing careers?
Shevanthi: Explore. Volunteer and learn more about the causes that you’re passionate about. Join a club while doing still working. You can volunteer for non-profits while doing your regular job. So explore. Find a cause and help out when and wherever you can. Local animal shelters, local women, children groups, etc.
Sital I spend much of my time having career discussions with senior leaders across Asia. One of the things that strikes me about Asian female leaders is how clear they are about the impact and legacy they want to leave.
So to close the discussion, tell me about your legacy – what do you want to be remembered for at the end of your career?
Shevanthi: For me what matters most is to know that I have been able to contribute towards changing and enriching people’s lives. That’s the legacy.
Sital: Final question – what’s your favorite tea? 😊
Shevanthi: Dilma Green Tea with Moroccan Mint!
Sital: Thanks so much for your time and sharing. Where can readers learn more about Room To Read Sri Lanka?
Shevanthi: The best place would be our Facebook Page
