How one major Sri Lanka hotelier is setting a new agenda

International Women's Day on March 8 aims to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women – and highlight things that continue to hold them back. This year's theme is #EachforEqual, expressed in a simple but powerful arms-front pose - #EachforEqual pose – that you can see demonstrated worldwide here:  internationalwomensday.com/Theme

Jetwing hotels and Sri Lanka

While Sri Lanka has made progress towards achieving gender equality, some structural barriers continue to have a negative impact on many women and girls on an island that remains a hugely popular holiday destination.

Over 1.6 million tourists visited Sri Lanka in 2019, contributing over $4bn to the island's economy. 

Yet UN data shows out of  8.6 million workers on the island, only 35% are women. The island's leading home-grown hotel chain Jetwing is championing life-changing opportunities for women through a range of initiatives.

Thrive is a micro- and small-scale supplier programme investing in the local communities. Jetwing contributes by collaborating through capacity building activity, mentorship and financial assistance focused on women from economically challenged backgrounds.

The Jetwing Youth Development Project (JYDP), meanwhile, focuses on giving both young men and women equal access for vocational education. “But we strive for a 50/50 participation rate, at each progamme,” says Jetwing's Kanchana Nanayakkara (Head of HR)

 “This can be challenging when prevailing social perception of the industry is as one not fit for women. But through the programme we address this negative outlook, and create gainful employment for women from economically challenged backgrounds -  and communicate their success stories.”

Jetwing's most recent programme under the JYDP  banner had 37% women's participation – with all the women involved now employed at Jetwing hotels. There's a video of this programme here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zkBI185WBo&t=61s

Image link here: https://we.tl/t-WJYFwBdVnQ

Case study stories

Rasiyapriya Udayakumar, a young women from Jaffna, joined the Jetwing Youth Development Project (JYDP) in 2015 with the hope of creating a better future for herself. She underwent on-the-job training at Jetwing Yala in the south of the island, where she learnt and perfected high-level culinary skills. Now employed at Jetwing Jaffna, she has become a cornerstone of her family, as well as a guiding example of achievement for women in her locale.

Sachini Sandarenu is another JYDP graduate from Tissamaharama. Being the only girl in the family, convincing her parents on joining the hospitality industry was a difficult task. But now, with over 5 years' experience in Food and Beverage operations at Jetwing, Sachini has become a Senior Steward at Jetwing Yala.

Under the Thrive project, small-scale egg supplier Manel Kanthi received financial assistance to buy chicks and pullets to expand her farm and increase the production. She was also given training on how to improve the hygiene and well-being of her chickens. Purchasing free-range eggs from Manel not only helps Jetwing offer guests delectable cuisine made with quality ingredients but also supports a local female entrepreneur.

Local potter Vanathi is working to raise four children on an income that can fluctuate greatly according to seasons and sales – forcing both her and her spouse to take on hard labouring work at a local quarry for much of the year. The Thrive programme has boosted Vanathi's income throughout the year by providing regular work teaching clay pottery to guests at Jetwing Kaduruketha.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

For further comment: Phoebe Oliver phoebe@oliverrelations.co.uk 

Gender Equality is a key plank of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which aims to ensure every person has equal access to education, healthcare, decent work, a life free from discrimination and abuse, and representation in political and economic decision-making.

The first International Women's Day occurred in 1911, supported by over one million people. Today, IWD belongs to all groups collectively everywhere. IWD is not country, group or organization specific. Post your #IWD2020 message on social media with your "hands out" equal pose for a strong call-to-action for others to support #EachforEqual.