In its ongoing effort to promote women’s empowerment and establish a robust leadership pipeline, Eswaran Brothers Exports (EB), a prominent tea producer in Sri Lanka, has unveiled its primary initiative for women’s leadership, named She Transforms. This tailored six-month leadership development program is crafted in collaboration with renowned leadership consultant Senela Jayasuriya and has the backing of Value for Women. It serves as a fundamental aspect of the company’s broader gender strategy, which emphasizes leadership capacity enhancement, inclusivity, and long-term organizational transformation.
Women constitute 44% of the workforce at Eswaran Brothers; however, only 23% occupy senior positions, as identified in an initial gender diagnostic conducted with Value for Women and supported by FMO, the Dutch Development Finance Bank. The analysis revealed that, despite their talents, many women encountered ambiguous career trajectories and lacked essential structural support during pivotal life phases.
To address these challenges, Eswaran Brothers implemented strategic mindset shifts and policy changes aimed at dismantling obstacles and fostering a more supportive environment for women’s advancement. Initiatives included mentorship programs, improved assistance for employees returning from maternity leave, managerial coaching, and measures designed to enhance inclusion and career advancement throughout the organization.
The outcomes were noteworthy. Over a six-month period, 20 women received promotions, marking a 2.4-fold increase compared to the previous year, while promotions for men also doubled, indicating that inclusive practices benefit the entire workforce. Both managers and program participants noted significant gains in confidence, ownership, strategic thinking, and decision-making abilities among female employees.
Nimali Senevirathne, the Group Head of HR and Legal at Eswaran Brothers, remarked, “Women began to lead beyond their official titles, displaying greater visibility, voice, and conviction.”
The She Transforms program was introduced to build upon and amplify this progress. Featuring a structured 10-step process, the initiative integrates training, mentorship, and coaching to empower participants to enhance their resilience, influence, self-leadership, and emotional adaptability. Utilizing cognitive leadership tools, role-playing, boundary-setting techniques, and facilitated group discussions, participants examined practical strategies for leadership and decision-making in today’s dynamic business landscape.
Senela Jayasuriya commented on the program’s philosophy, stating, “Leadership is not something you learn; it is something you live.” She emphasized that the program aims to cultivate a nurturing environment for self-reflection, growth, and experimentation, allowing participants to challenge restrictive beliefs, boost confidence, and enhance their leadership abilities through real-world experiences.
Participants widely regarded the program as a transformative experience, helping them to concentrate on aspects within their control, make clearer decisions, and contribute more assertively in their roles. Many reported advancements in time management, delegation, collaboration, and communication skills, alongside newfound confidence in engaging effectively in traditionally male-dominated sectors.
She Transforms has evolved into a comprehensive initiative, contributing to the development of a future-ready, purpose-driven workforce of decision-makers, problem solvers, and resilient leaders. Its measurable impact underscores Eswaran Brothers’ dedication to providing leadership opportunities for women while enhancing the organization’s overall performance.
As Renée Hunter, Associate Director of Advisory Services at Value for Women, pointed out, “Eswaran illustrates how swiftly leadership dynamics can change when organizations move beyond intentions and implement tangible solutions. When expectations, systems, and support mechanisms are made clear, women’s leadership becomes both visible and sustainable.”
Through the She Transforms initiative, Eswaran Brothers is showcasing how focused leadership development can unlock talent, bolster organizational capabilities, and facilitate enduring change. As the program continues to evolve, the company remains steadfast in its commitment to nurturing an inclusive culture where women are empowered to lead, contribute, and thrive at all levels of the organization.
Image Caption: Participants of Eswaran Brothers Exports’ She Transforms leadership development program.
