The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has joined forces with Diversity Collective Lanka (DCLK) and Women in Management (WIM) to launch a first-of-its-kind training programme aimed at combating gender-based violence and harassment (GBVH) in Sri Lanka’s private sector.

The two-year training of trainers initiative will enhance business and social outcomes by promoting respectful workplaces and empowering companies to take measures against GBVH. The partnership aims to reach 100 companies serving at least 20,000 employees across the country.

Despite increasing focus on diversity, equity and inclusion, workplace violence and harassment are all too common. An IFC study ‘Business Case for Creating Respectful Workplaces in Sri Lanka’ surveyed over 1,600 employees from nine companies and found that three out of five people have experienced some form of workplace violence or harassment. This has resulted in the loss of six working days per employee annually, costing the Sri Lankan companies at least US $ 1.7 million.

“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 World Bank Group Sri Lanka Country Manager Gevorg Sargsyan.

“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.”

Globally, IFC has developed a suite of tools to guide private sector organisations in fostering respectful workplaces beyond basic compliance. This initiative is part of IFC’s strategy to share knowledge and best practices, enabling companies to proactively prevent workplace violence and harassment. In Sri Lanka, the programme will equip selected practitioners with resources and knowledge on GBVH to deliver IFC’s Respectful Workplaces training to member companies of DCLK and WIM and beyond. 

“The invaluable support from IFC has empowered the 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. The DCLK trainers are now ambassadors of a new mindset, essential for driving Sri Lanka’s progress,” said DCLK President Bani Chandrasena.

“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 recognising organisations that embody good governance through our prestigious awards – Top50 and Diversity Champions,” said WIM Sri Lanka Chairperson Sulochana Segera.   

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