HNBA and HNBGI hold women empowerment forums

Thursday, 31 March 2022 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

HNB Assurance PLC (HNBA) and HNB General Insurance Ltd. (HNBGI) recently held a series of forums focused on all employees with the aim of discussing the topic of biases and barriers and furthering the agenda of equity within and outside organisational boundaries.

This program featured sessions by Hatton National Bank PLC General Manager/Chief Transformation Officer and HNB General Insurance Ltd. Non-Independent/Non-Executive Director Chiranthi Cooray, and University of Colombo Faculty of Management and Finance Chair Professor of Department of HRM Professor Arosha Adikaram, who has had a long-standing commitment towards “equity at workplace” agenda.

Speaking at the forum, Cooray expressed her views stating, “Every year, during the month of March we come together to laud, celebrate, and pay tribute to the spirit of womanhood, but it should not only be limited to March.

“Our commitment toward gender equality, breaking the bias, and creating a difference where women are valued and celebrated should be renewed every day. Gender inequality manifests in the distribution of resources, work, power, or even time.

“We must truly accelerate our efforts to break all barriers and norms and build a sustainable future of inclusion, diversity, and equity for everyone.”

Sharing her views, Adikaram stated, “Every woman is strong, confident, and powerful in her own way and women have achieved great milestones both personally and professionally by immensely contributing to the development of today’s society and economy.

“As we celebrate the strength of women, we should ensure that women are recognised for their efforts, contribution, hard work, and for balancing multiple roles in their day-to-day lives. It is even more important for everyone in society to help women to achieve their goals and dreams.

“Hence, is it crucial to build a world free of all forms of bias, discrimination, and stereotypes and inspire women to love themselves, take care of themselves and achieve their heart’s desire”

In demonstrating solidarity with the agenda of breaking barriers, HNBA Chief Executive Officer Lasitha Wimalaratne, and HNBGI Chief Executive Officer Sithumina Jayasundara, shared their views and pled their fullest commitment.

HNBA and HNBGI Chief Human Resource Officer Dinuka Pattikiriarachchi explained the provisions provided at the policy level as well practice to protect and develop all employees. He further explained the duty and responsibility of each other to promote fairness and equity for those who have a lesser voice.

In conclusion, he added, “Women are not defined by the choice of clothing, lifestyle, or profession but by their strength, knowledge, resilience, confidence, and courage.

“Women across industries have achieved remarkable milestones and made great strides and whilst saluting all women for their strength and willpower to challenge society and make their voices heard, let’s pledge our support to promote equality, diversity, and inclusion in everything that we do and say.”