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In commemoration of International Women’s Day 2022, Just In Time Group spoke to a few of our female employees from different departments, within the organization to find out their thoughts on what ’International Women’s Day’ means to them.

This is what they had to say…

The theme of 2022’s International Women’s Day is “#BreakTheBias: Imagine a gender-equal world.”

What does that phrase mean to you when it comes to your career?

Ruwini: “Gender-Equal World” sounds like a world that is peaceful, beautiful, prosperous, and a world where women do not have to worry about the breach of fundamental rights. A world where women can conquer anything without being discriminated.  

Dulanka: If you can do better in your career with your knowledge, hard work, and your experience, then gender doesn’t matter at all. I believe, women never expect gender equality, but they expect proper respect from everyone to build their confidence and career and therefore provide a maximum contribution towards the organization.

“There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish”

– Michelle Obama –

Samanmali: Considering the workplace, gender equality means to have equal opportunities, resources and rewards for both men and women alike. It also should address equal participation in the workforce and equity in leadership regardless of gender.

My job requires a lot of effort, responsibility and commitment and this is the same for all my colleagues who work with me regardless of their gender.

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Which women support and inspire you on your career path? These examples can include leaders, celebrities, trailblazers, colleagues, family, etc.

Ruwini: Any woman who is determined, loyal, fearless, resilient, and has a beautiful heart would inspire me. It can be my mother, my boss or it can be the janitor who comes to clean my room.

I admire my beautiful mother, Anna Wintour – Editor in Chief Vogue. I love her courage and determination.

Here at JIT, it is definitely my boss, Sherene Goonetilleke, the COO of Just In Time Group. She is determined, very loyal, and has a beautiful heart.

Dulanka: It is difficult to mention only one as there are many women who supported and inspired me during my career.

For one, my mother supported and inspired me in every move throughout my life. She always guides me and shares good advice. I am happy to have my mother as my best friend who inspires me every day, every moment.

I have worked in many organizations for years, but I haven’t found such a supportive woman like Rajika Suriyapathirana in my career. She is the Head of Finance and Administration at JIT. She always shares her knowledge and experiences with the team to become a better version of ourselves.

She is an inspiration, especially when she helps us during our tough times.

“Every woman’s success should be an inspiration to another. We’re strongest when we cheer each other on”

 – Serena Williams –

Sammanmali: From my childhood, my grandmother was a huge inspiration to everything I do. She was a superwoman who always spread the “can do” attitude.

When considering my career path, I was self-inspired and self-directed.

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What gender-specific challenges, stereotypes, or barriers have you had to overcome during your career?

Ruwini: We all face challenges in life. Challenges are there for both men and women. But what is most important is to uplift each other. Women should uplift each other. Sadly, this isn’t happening.

One of the biggest challenges I have seen is that women degrade other women. We will never be able to imagine a gender-equal world if women do not support each other. I think it’s time to break this cycle.

Dulanka: As long as a woman has mastered her line of work and has proven she is capable of her job, she can overcome all obstacles.

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How do you think the mission of JIT ties into the theme of “#BreakTheBias: Imagine a gender-equal world” celebrated this International Women’s Day?

Ruwini: JIT has given many opportunities to women to be leaders, where we do not see any gender bias which is why I feel so at home. The only thing that I would encourage is that women should uplift each other. We should be women that fix other women’s crowns. Not the ones who break it.

Dulanka: The mission of JIT ties into the theme perfectly, as we can see women been represented in the senior management team and across department head positions. This shows equality given to women at JIT, with no bias, as well as respect for women’s ideas and decisions.

“Doubt is a killer. You just have to know who you are and what you stand for” 

– Jennifer Lopez

Sammanmali:  JIT is one of the leading ICT companies that could be considered as a role model for a gender-equal world as JIT always treats its employees well regardless of their gender. This doesn’t even come to question for me, as we are all one team and one family here.

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