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August 22, 2023
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In today’s fast-evolving corporate landscape, the most successful organizations are those that recognize and embrace diversity—not just as a value, but as a strategic imperative. Union Bank has consistently demonstrated that empowering women is not only a matter of ethics or equity but a catalyst for innovation, resilience, and sustainable growth. As a women-friendly workplace, we take this opportunity to reflect on the principles and practices that have guided our journey.
Jayantha Amarasinghe, Chief People and Transformation Officer stated that at Union Bank, we view our people as our greatest asset. Our workforce is not just a reflection of our values—it is a living embodiment of our mission to foster a more inclusive and equitable society. Over the years, we have taken deliberate steps to ensure that gender equity is woven into the very fabric of our organization. Today, women represent nearly half of our total workforce, standing shoulder to shoulder with their male colleagues across departments and levels.
We empower our employees through structured leadership development programs, continuous upskilling, and thoughtful recognition initiatives. Our internal training modules, mentoring frameworks, and cross-functional exposure opportunities are designed to help women grow and thrive—whether they’re stepping into leadership roles or deepening their domain expertise. This commitment extends beyond individual development to a broader culture of inclusivity.
We have embedded equal opportunity hiring practices throughout our recruitment processes. Every job description is crafted to be inclusive, and interview panels are always gender-balanced, with at least one female representative present. This ensures diverse perspectives at every critical decision point. Furthermore, our awareness-building programs—ranging from workshops on unconscious bias to sessions on inclusive leadership and respectful workplace behaviour—help foster a culture of psychological safety and mutual respect. But policies alone are not enough. Our goal is to create a workplace where every woman feels valued, heard, and empowered to lead.
Thishani Dissanayake, Vice President Marketing stated that a woman leader myself, I’m deeply honoured to be part of an organization that doesn’t just talk about gender parity—but lives it.
At Union Bank, leadership is not confined to corner offices or boardrooms. It is visible in every branch, every team, and every initiative we undertake. One of the most powerful indicators of our progress is that whilst overall women account for 50% of our workforce, over half of our Deputy Branch Managers are women. This is not a coincidence. It is the result of strategic investment in leadership pipelines and a culture that recognizes potential over privilege.
My own journey of over 15 years at Union Bank has been shaped by an environment that values integrity, inclusivity, and innovation. It is incredibly encouraging to see young women entering the bank and quickly finding communities of support through our Women’s Networks. Whether it’s joining the Zumba classes, yoga sessions, or participating in sports clubs, these networks are more than extracurriculars—they are vital spaces for women to connect, share, and grow together.
As we market Union Bank, we don’t just promote our products or services. We promote a philosophy of people-first banking, underpinned by inclusivity and social responsibility. Our financial literacy programs, community outreach, and sustainability initiatives especially focus on underserved women, helping them build financial independence and a better quality of life. It is through these initiatives that we extend the spirit of empowerment beyond our walls and into the communities we serve.
Embedding Equality in the Everyday: Union Bank’s approach to gender equality is anchored in three core pillars that guide our internal culture and external impact. The first pillar, Empowering Our People, is focused on developing female talent through targeted leadership development programs designed for high-potential women, with access to mentorship from experienced senior leaders. We invest in regular upskilling opportunities across areas such as digital tools, financial services, project management, and leadership, ensuring that our employees are future-ready. Recognition is equally important—our platforms for acknowledging success include annual awards, spotlight series, and celebrations of key milestones, helping create a culture where women’s achievements are visible and valued.
The second pillar revolves around Inclusive Policies and Practices that ensure inclusivity is not just aspirational, but institutionalized. Our hiring practices are built around equal opportunity, with all job descriptions written in gender-neutral language and structured interview processes that always include female representation on every panel. This ensures fairness from the very first point of engagement. We support work-life balance through flexible hybrid work arrangements, parental leave, and return-to-work programs that help employees navigate personal and professional commitments. Moreover, we prioritize employee safety and respect with comprehensive policies addressing sexual harassment, health and safety, and whistleblower protection. Importantly, a female member of the Corporate Management Team plays a key role on the whistleblower panel, ensuring fair and empathetic oversight.
The third pillar, Community Engagement and Outreach, reflects our commitment to extending the impact of gender equality beyond the walls of our organization. Our financial literacy programs are designed to empower women in underserved communities with essential money management skills, while our entrepreneurship initiatives offer banking solutions, advisory services, and access to networks that help women-led businesses thrive. Through our sustainability initiatives, we continue to support women-led community development projects that align with environmental and social goals—reinforcing our broader vision for inclusive progress.
Representation Matters: Women at the Top: The progress Union Bank has made in promoting gender equality is evident at the highest levels of our organization. Both the Board of Directors and the Corporate Management Team are composed of accomplished female leaders who contribute actively to shaping the bank’s strategic direction. This representation is not symbolic; it stems from our deeply held belief that leadership should reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. It also sends a strong, empowering message to every woman across our organization: not only do you belong here—you can thrive and lead here.
The Cultural Core: Networks, Wellness & Support: What truly sets Union Bank apart is our culture—an environment where inclusivity is lived and experienced every day. We have cultivated vibrant peer support networks and women’s clubs that foster a sense of belonging. From yoga and Zumba sessions to sports activities and wellness circles, these spaces go beyond recreation—they are avenues for women to connect, share experiences, and support each other personally and professionally.
We celebrate our people in meaningful ways, marking key milestones such as promotions, personal achievements, weddings, and parenthood. In addition, we provide comprehensive counseling and wellness services, including stress management workshops and confidential support for mental health, to ensure that every employee has the resources they need to thrive.
Looking Ahead: The Future is Equal: We recognize that our work is far from finished, and as we look to the future, we are determined to keep raising the bar. We will continue to push boundaries, innovate with empathy, and drive positive change not just within our own organization, but across the financial industry and the communities we serve.
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