Pharma Industry veteran is keen to help create gender-inclusive workplace

I have observed that there is an urgent need for businesses especially in our industry to adopt strategies that empower female employees, Gayathri Ratnayake, Managing Director of Rohto Mentholatum Lanka Private Limited said recently.

“This is important if companies are to achieve sustainable growth and instill the value of leadership amongst its staff. It is also important that women leaders in this industry need to support and empower other women to reach their full potential,” she said.

The industry veteran who began her career in Japan 18 years ago further said:

“Being a woman in an Asian country is a tough task. There are times when women are reluctant to enter this career as there is a fear of sexual harassment or bullying, which should not be the case. It is unfortunate, but even though we live in the 21st century, our society has still not reached a place where women, feel safe. This is not limited to the Pharma sector but across the board. If you look at Sri Lanka, most pharma representatives are males, but what I have seen, countries like Myanmar, Vietnam or Japan maintain close to a 50-50 split.”

“My motive is to create a working environment where women do not face harassment and a comfortable place to work in. A gender-inclusive workplace is one where everyone feels comfortable and safe. Next, we need to inspire confidence in women. In our culture where women are assigned the role of a care-giver, most leave the workforce once they become mothers. This should not be the case. As a working mother myself, I believe that we can contribute so much more to our companies and our economy.,” she said.