The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has joined forces with Diversity Collective Lanka (DCLK) and Women in Management (WIM) to launch a first-of-its-kind training program aimed at combating gender-based violence and harassment (GBVH) in Sri Lanka’s private sector.
The two-year training of trainers initiative will enhance business and social outcomes by promoting respectful workplaces and empowering companies to take measures against GBVH. The partnership aims to reach 100 companies serving at least 20,000 employees across the country.
Despite increasing focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, workplace violence and harassment are all too common. An IFC study ‘Business Case for Creating Respectful Workplaces in Sri Lanka’ surveyed over 1,600 employees from nine companies and found that 3 out of 5 people have experienced some form of workplace violence or harassment. This has resulted in the loss of six working days per employee annually, costing Sri Lankan companies at least $1.7 million.
“The economic impacts of workplace violence are real and cannot be ignored. Respectful workplaces mean better business. Forward-looking businesses, therefore, have a moral duty – and a financial responsibility – to address this issue,” said Gevorg Sargsyan, Country Manager for World Bank Group in Sri Lanka. “Through IFC’s latest initiative, we aim to create safer and more respectful workplaces in Sri Lanka, helping build positive work environments that not only benefit employees but also improve productivity and overall business performance.”
Globally, IFC has developed a suite of tools to guide private sector organizations in fostering respectful workplaces beyond basic compliance. This initiative is part of IFC’s strategy to share knowledge and best practices, enabling companies to proactively prevent workplace violence and harassment. In Sri Lanka, the program will equip selected practitioners with resources and knowledge on GBVH to deliver IFC’s Respectful Workplaces training to member companies of DCLK and WIM and beyond.
“The invaluable support from IFC has empowered Diversity Collective Lanka (DCLK) trainers to make a significant impact on the industry. We are confident that our expanded skillset will enable us to tap into new sectors in 2025 and contribute to Sri Lanka’s inclusive growth. DCLK trainers are now ambassadors of a new mindset, essential for driving Sri Lanka’s progress,” said Bani Chandrasena, President of Diversity Collective Lanka.
“IFC’s ‘Training of Trainers’ equips WIM trainers with the tools and knowledge to promote safe, inclusive work environments in the private sector and beyond. This partnership strengthens WIM’s business outreach and reinforces our commitment to recognizing organizations that embody good governance through our prestigious awards – Top50 and Diversity Champions,” Sulochana Segera, Chairperson of Women in Management Sri Lanka.
IFC plans to extend this initiative to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Sri Lanka, further empowering local businesses to take ownership of these efforts, ensuring ongoing knowledge-sharing and scalable solutions across industries.
About IFC:
IFC — a member of the World Bank Group — is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2024, IFC committed a record $56 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging private sector solutions and mobilizing private capital to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.
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About DCLK:
Diversity Collective Lanka (DCLK) is a not-for-profit organization in Sri Lanka, focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) through education and advocacy. We help empower conversations by opening the dialogue on DEI to foster awareness, enable marginalized communities to achieve better financial outcomes and promote inclusive economic growth. DCLK works to create a society where everyone can thrive. For more information, visit https://www.diversitycollective.lk/.
About WIM:
Dedicated to the success of women, Women in Management (WIM) unites Sri Lanka’s women professionals and entrepreneurs through a unique networking platform, leveraging their skills for global success. For more information, please click on the links below:
www.womeninmanagementawards.org/
www.twitter.com/WomeninManageme
www.linkedin.com/in/women-in-management-sri-lanka
