The Current State of Women in Technology in Sri Lanka
According to a 2021 report by the Sri Lanka Association of Software and Service Companies (SLASSCOM), women make up 35% of the total workforce in the country's IT and BPM (Business Process Management) industry. This represents a significant increase from just 25% in 2015. Additionally, the SLASSCOM Women Technopreneurs Forum has supported the establishment of over 70 women-led tech start-ups in Sri Lanka since its inception in 2012.
However, despite these positive developments, there are still challenges that women face in the industry. A report by the International Labour Organization (ILO) highlights the gender pay gap in Sri Lanka's ICT sector, with women earning only 80% of what men earn on average. Furthermore, women tend to be underrepresented in higher-level positions, with only 15% of ICT management positions held by women.
The reasons for this gender gap are complex and multifaceted. Some of the challenges that women face in the technology industry in Sri Lanka include:
· Social norms and stereotypes that discourage women from pursuing careers in technology
· Lack of access to education and training opportunities
· Limited networking and mentorship opportunities
· Workplace discrimination and harassment
· Lack of support for work-life balance
Despite these challenges, there are many women in Sri Lanka who are breaking barriers and making significant contributions to the field of technology.
Women Leaders in Sri Lanka's Technology Industry
One such leader is Shehani Fernando, the founder and CEO of the software development company, Sysco LABS. Shehani is a pioneer in Sri Lanka's technology industry and has been recognized for her contributions to the field. She has also been a strong advocate for women's empowerment in technology and has worked to create more opportunities for women in the industry.
Another notable woman in Sri Lanka's technology industry is Imal Kalutotage, the co-founder and CEO of Mindtree Lanka. Imal has been recognized as one of the top 50 women in the technology industry in Asia and has been a vocal advocate for gender diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
These women, and many others like them, are changing the face of Sri Lanka's technology industry and inspiring the next generation of women to pursue careers in this field.
Initiatives to Support Women in Technology in Sri Lanka
Women have been historically underrepresented in the technology sector worldwide, and Sri Lanka is no exception. However, there are several initiatives in Sri Lanka that aim to promote gender diversity and empower women in technology. Here are some examples:
1. SLASSCOM Women Technopreneurs Forum: This forum, established in 2012 by the Sri Lanka Association of Software and Service Companies (SLASSCOM), aims to support and promote women-led tech start-ups in Sri Lanka. It provides mentorship, training, and networking opportunities to women entrepreneurs.
2. Women in IT Sri Lanka: This organization, founded in 2016, is dedicated to promoting women's participation in the IT industry in Sri Lanka. It provides mentorship, career guidance, and networking opportunities to women in IT.
3. Code First: Girls Sri Lanka: Code First: Girls is a UK-based social enterprise that aims to address the gender imbalance in the tech industry by providing free coding courses to women. Code First: Girls launched its Sri Lanka programme in 2018, providing coding courses to young women in Sri Lanka.
4. Google Women Techmakers Sri Lanka: Google Women Techmakers is a global program that provides visibility, community, and resources for women in technology. The Sri Lanka chapter of Women Techmakers hosts events and workshops to empower and connect women in the tech industry.
5. "She Loves Tech" Sri Lanka: "She Loves Tech" is a global competition for women entrepreneurs in the tech industry. The Sri Lanka chapter of the competition was launched in 2019, providing a platform for women entrepreneurs to showcase their innovations and connect with investors and mentors.
These initiatives, along with many others, are working towards creating a more diverse and inclusive technology industry in Sri Lanka. They provide valuable support and resources for women in technology, and contribute to the growth of the sector as a whole.
The Future of Women in Technology in Sri Lanka
The technology industry in Sri Lanka has been growing rapidly over the past decade, and there are many opportunities for women to play a significant role in shaping its future. While women's representation in the industry is still low, there are several initiatives underway to support and promote gender diversity in the sector.
One area where women are making significant strides is in entrepreneurship. Women-led tech start-ups in Sri Lanka are gaining attention and investment, with success stories such as Sysco LABS CEO Shehani Fernando and Imal Kalutotage, the CEO of Mindtree Lanka. The SLASSCOM Women Technopreneurs Forum has been instrumental in supporting women entrepreneurs, and the Code First: Girls Sri Lanka program has provided coding courses to hundreds of young women.
Another area of opportunity for women is in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and data science. These fields are growing rapidly and require diverse perspectives and skills to drive innovation. Women such as Dr. Inoka Jayarathne, an AI researcher and lecturer at the University of Moratuwa, are making significant contributions in these areas.
However, challenges remain. Women in technology in Sri Lanka face gender-based discrimination and cultural barriers that can limit their opportunities. The COVID-19 pandemic has also highlighted the need for flexible working arrangements and the importance of digital skills, particularly for women who face additional caregiving responsibilities.
To address these challenges and support women's participation in the technology industry, it is crucial to continue investing in initiatives that promote gender diversity and provide resources and support for women in technology. This includes mentorship programs, networking opportunities, and policies that support work-life balance and flexible working arrangements.
Overall, the future of women in technology in Sri Lanka is promising, with many opportunities for women to contribute to the growth and innovation of the sector. By continuing to support and promote gender diversity, Sri Lanka can ensure that the benefits of the technology industry are accessible to all.
Reference
· "Women in IT Sri Lanka." Women in IT Sri Lanka, http://www.womeninit.lk/.
· "SLASSCOM Women Technopreneurs Forum." SLASSCOM, https://www.slasscom.lk/index.php/what-we-do/people-development/women-technopreneurs-forum/.
· International Labor Organization. "Women in ICT Sector Development in Sri Lanka." International Labour Organization, 2017, https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---asia/---ro-bangkok/documents/publication/wcms_554128.pdf.
· Sysco LABS. "Shehani Fernando - CEO of Sysco LABS." Sysco LABS, https://syscolabs.lk/team/shehani-fernando/.
· Mindtree Lanka. "Imal Kalutotage." Mindtree, https://www.mindtree.com/about-us/leadership/imal-kalutotage.
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