IFC partners with Lanka NGOs to combat gender-based violence

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) partnered with Diversity Collective Lanka (DCLK) and Women in Management (WIM) to introduce a pioneering training programme to address gender-based violence and harassment (GBVH) in Sri Lanka’s private sector.

This two-year “training of trainers” initiative aims to foster respectful workplaces and empower companies to implement measures against GBVH, ultimately improving business and social outcomes across the country.

The programme seeks to engage 100 companies and reach at least 20,000 employees nationwide. Despite growing awareness of diversity, equity, and inclusion, workplace violence and harassment remain pervasive.

According to an IFC study titled ‘Business Case for Creating Respectful Workplaces in Sri Lanka,’ which surveyed over 1,600 employees from nine companies, three out of five individuals have encountered workplace violence or harassment.

This has led to an average loss of six working days per employee per year, resulting in a financial impact of at least $1.7 million for Sri Lankan companies.

“The economic impacts of workplace violence are real and cannot be ignored. Respectful workplaces mean better business,” 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.”

Attribution: International Finance Corporation report

Subediting: M. S. Salama