WIM drives women’s leadership in the Maldives

Respected ‘women empowerment’ and women leadership champion in Sri Lanka – Women in Management (WIM) staged a historic Leadership Conference in the Maldives under the theme ‘Leadership trends’ with the Chief Guest being the First Lady, Fathimath Ibrahim, along with Minister of Youth and Sports Iruthisham Adam who represented the Maldives, while State Minister of City Planning and Water Supply Dr. Sudharshini Fernandopulle, MP and Sri Lankan High Commissioner Major General (Retd) B.R.W.M.R.A.B. Thoradeniya and top business professional Dawn Austin represented Sri Lanka on 14 September at Hotel Jan Male.

First Lady, Madam Fathimath Ibrahim voiced, “I was delighted to be invited as the Chief Guest by Women in Management, looking forward to be part of WIM events and thank you for honouring me with WIM First Membership in WIM Maldives.” 

Dr. Sudharshini Fernandopulle MP stated, “I congratulate WIM for their leadership given to women in Sri Lanka and Maldives, women leadership can be driven only by passion and vision, WIM has always proved that they walk the talk with their vision. Thank you Sulochana and your team for making Sri Lanka proud.” 

Speaking on WIM’s latest project of expansion, WIM Chairperson Dr. Sulochana Segera said, “I think it’s high time that Sri Lanka takes the brand of professional women to the international market, and it has been our firm belief as a body representing professional women, that the female leadership of Sri Lanka merit the international spotlight.” 

The event was conducted in three segments. First on the agenda was the appointment of the Executive Committee of WIM Maldives by Dr. Sulochana Segera, Founder/Chairperson of Women in Management, followed by an event to honour the three Maldivians who won awards at the Top 50 Professional and Career Women Awards 2017 which was held in Sri Lanka by the First Lady of Maldives Fathimath Ibrahim. The third segment on the agenda was the Women’s Leadership Forum where WIM Top 50 Award Winners from Sri Lanka and the Maldives shared their thoughts on Leadership and Barriers for women in Sri Lanka and Maldives. This forum was moderated by Dulari Fernando, EXCO President, WIM Sri Lanka, and the panel consisted of Dawn Austin, Managing Director, Nidro Supply Ltd., Ramya Weerakoon, Vice President – Marketing Infotechs, Aishath Rafiyya, Career Role Model 2017 – Top 50 Women Awards Maldives and Shaira Saleem, Business Role Model 2017 – Top 50 Women Awards Maldives. The event was attended by nearly 100 Sri Lankans and Maldivians. 

In conclusion Dr. Segera said the following, “One of the most emotional moments of the event was when the National Anthem of Sri Lankan was played, because being a woman and being able to take the pride and dignity of Sri Lankan women internationally made us realise that we as women can make our country proud given the right leadership.”