The Satynmag Women Friendly Workplace Awards 2024 powered by AICPA&CIMA – celebrating organizations that empower women at work

The Satynmag Women Friendly Workplace Awards, powered by AICPA & CIMA, have become a beacon of progress and empowerment for women in the Sri Lankan workplace. Since their inception in 2021, these awards have highlighted the strides companies have made toward creating environments that support, uplift, and empower women across various sectors. The 2024 edition, held on August 30th, was a testament to the ongoing commitment of Sri Lankan businesses to foster gender equality and inclusivity in the workplace.

The Evolution of the Awards
When the Satynmag Women Friendly Workplace Awards were first introduced, they aimed to shine a light on the organizations that were leading the way in creating safe, supportive, and inclusive workplaces for women. Over the years, the awards have grown in stature, becoming a much-anticipated event that not only recognizes but also inspires companies to do better.

The awards have catalyzed change in the Sri Lankan workplace, encouraging companies to adopt policies and practices that support women’s career growth, work-life balance, and overall well-being. From introducing flexible work arrangements to implementing mentoring programs and creating safe spaces for women to voice their concerns, the impact of these awards can be seen in the tangible changes happening within organizations across the country.

The 2024 Awards: A New Milestone
The 2024 edition of the awards was particularly significant, as it marked another milestone in the journey toward gender equality in the workplace. The list of winners this year is a testament to the diversity of industries that are embracing this change. From textiles to finance, from education to technology, companies across the spectrum are taking meaningful steps to support their female employees.

The Top Ten- WFWAwards2024

This year’s Top Ten winners are a reflection of the best practices being adopted across different sectors. These companies have not only implemented policies that support women but have also created a culture that values and respects the contributions of their female employees. The Top Ten winners for 2024 are:

Ansell Textiles (Pvt) Ltd
Brandix Apparel (Pvt) Ltd
CIC Holdings PLC
DIMO
Fortude
Hambantota International Port Group (Pvt) Ltd
Hemas Holdings PLC
HNB Assurance
National Savings Bank
People’s Bank
Sysco Labs
WNS Global Services (Pvt) Ltd
Each of these companies has demonstrated a strong commitment to gender equality and has implemented initiatives that support women at all levels of their organizations. Whether through leadership development programs, mentorship opportunities, or creating a safe and inclusive work environment, these companies are setting the standard for others to follow.

Recognizing Outstanding Achievements

In addition to the Top Ten winners, several special awards were presented to organizations and individuals who have gone above and beyond in their efforts to empower women in the workplace.

The Most Outstanding Female Award – SHE WINS was awarded to Padma Dahanayake of HNB Assurance for her exceptional journey of overcoming challenges and rising to the top. Her story is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved with determination and resilience.

Nestle Lanka Ltd was honored with the SHE GROWS award for their exceptional initiatives that encourage and empower women to grow both personally and professionally. Their programs have provided women with the tools and opportunities to advance in their careers, making a lasting impact on their lives.
The SHE THRIVES award, given for creating an exceptionally female-friendly environment, was won by Janashakthi Group. Their efforts in fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace culture have set a new benchmark for what it means to be a female-friendly workplace.

Special recognition was also given to companies that have taken innovative and targeted approaches to empower women in specific areas:

HSBC Electronic Data Processing (Pvt) Ltd received a special award for enabling global opportunities for women, opening doors for their female employees to advance on an international scale.
Lipton Teas & Infusions Ceylon (Pvt) Ltd was recognized for empowering women in sales, a non-traditional area of work for women. Their efforts have challenged stereotypes and paved the way for more women to succeed in this field.

The special award for empowering women in tech was presented to Acentura (Pvt) Ltd, highlighting their commitment to breaking down barriers and encouraging more women to enter and excel in the technology sector.
H Connect International was awarded for empowering Gen Z females with leadership opportunities, recognizing the importance of nurturing the next generation of female leaders.
R R Donnelly Outsource (Pvt) Ltd received a special award for empowering female communities outside Colombo, addressing the unique challenges faced by women in rural areas and providing them with opportunities for growth and development.
The education sector was also recognized, with Oxford College of Business (Pvt) Ltd receiving an award for their efforts in empowering women in education, ensuring that more women have access to quality education and the tools they need to succeed.
Union Assurance was honored with a special award for innovating women-focused initiatives, showcasing their creativity and commitment to supporting women in all aspects of their lives.
The Impact of the Awards
Since their inception, the Satynmag Women Friendly Workplace Awards have had a profound impact on the Sri Lankan workplace. They have not only recognized the efforts of companies that are leading the way but have also inspired others to follow suit. The awards have created a ripple effect, encouraging more organizations to take meaningful steps toward creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for women.

As we look ahead, it’s clear that the journey toward gender equality in the workplace is far from over. However, the progress that has been made so far is encouraging. The 2024 Satynmag Women Friendly Workplace Awards have once again highlighted the importance of continuing this work, and the companies and individuals recognized this year are shining examples of what can be achieved when we all work together toward a common goal.

The commitment to creating female-friendly workplaces is not just a trend but a necessary evolution in how businesses operate. It’s about recognizing the value that women bring to the table and ensuring that they have the opportunities and support they need to thrive. The Satynmag Women Friendly Workplace Awards will continue to play a vital role in this journey, inspiring change and celebrating the achievements of those who are leading the way.