IFC Partners with Diversity Collective Lanka and Women in Management to Combat Gender-Based Violence in Sri Lanka’s Private Sector

This first-of-its-kind, two-year initiative focuses on training practitioners to promote respectful workplaces and empower companies to tackle GBVH.

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has partnered with Diversity Collective Lanka (DCLK) and Women in Management (WIM) to launch a groundbreaking training program aimed at addressing gender-based violence and harassment (GBVH) in Sri Lanka's private sector. This first-of-its-kind, two-year initiative focuses on training practitioners to promote respectful workplaces and empower companies to tackle GBVH.

The program seeks to engage 100 companies and reach at least 20,000 employees across Sri Lanka. Despite growing attention to diversity, equity, and inclusion, workplace violence and harassment remain pervasive. According to the IFC’s study, "Business Case for Creating Respectful Workplaces in Sri Lanka," 3 out of 5 employees surveyed across nine companies have experienced some form of workplace violence or harassment. This has led to significant economic losses, with Sri Lankan companies losing at least $1.7 million annually due to six working days lost per employee.

"The economic impacts of workplace violence are real and cannot be ignored. Respectful workplaces mean better business. Forward-looking businesses, therefore, have a moral duty – and a financial responsibility – to address this issue," said Gevorg Sargsyan, Country Manager for the World Bank Group in Sri Lanka. "Through IFC's latest initiative, we aim to create safer and more respectful workplaces in Sri Lanka, helping build positive work environments that not only benefit employees but also improve productivity and overall business performance."

This initiative is part of IFC’s global strategy to guide private sector organizations in fostering respectful workplaces beyond basic compliance. The program will equip selected practitioners with the necessary tools and knowledge to deliver IFC's Respectful Workplaces training to member companies of DCLK and WIM, and eventually to other sectors.

"The invaluable support from IFC has empowered Diversity Collective Lanka (DCLK) trainers to make a significant impact on the industry. We are confident that our expanded skillset will enable us to tap into new sectors in 2025 and contribute to Sri Lanka's inclusive growth. DCLK trainers are now ambassadors of a new mindset, essential for driving Sri Lanka's progress," said Bani Chandrasena, President of Diversity Collective Lanka.

Sulochana Segera, Chairperson of Women in Management Sri Lanka, emphasized the importance of the initiative: "IFC's 'Training of Trainers' equips WIM trainers with the tools and knowledge to promote safe, inclusive work environments in the private sector and beyond. This partnership strengthens WIM's business outreach and reinforces our commitment to recognizing organizations that embody good governance through our prestigious awards – Top50 and Diversity Champions."

Looking ahead, IFC plans to extend this initiative to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Sri Lanka, further empowering local businesses to take ownership of these efforts, ensuring ongoing knowledge-sharing and scalable solutions across industries.