31/03 /2025
McLarens Group Celebrates International Women’s Day 2025 with Purpose and Action
At McLarens Group, International Women’s Day is not just about recognition, it’s about action. This year, we marked the occasion on March 10th at the Ramada Hotel, reaffirming our commitment to fostering gender equity and creating lasting opportunities for women within our organization and beyond. A key milestone in our journey toward empowerment is the introduction of McLarens Dheera (ධීරා), our flagship initiative that will consolidate all women-focused programs, sponsorships, and activities under one platform in the months to come. Derived from the Sinhala word for “Courage,” Dheera embodies our vision to drive workplace equality, leadership development, and community engagement.
At McLarens Group, International Women’s Day is not just about recognition, it’s about action. This year, we marked the occasion on March 10th at the Ramada Hotel, reaffirming our commitment to fostering gender equity and creating lasting opportunities for women within our organization and beyond. A key milestone in our journey toward empowerment is the introduction of McLarens Dheera (ධීරා), our flagship initiative that will consolidate all women-focused programs, sponsorships, and activities under one platform in the months to come. Derived from the Sinhala word for “Courage,” Dheera embodies our vision to drive workplace equality, leadership development, and community engagement.
As part of this commitment, McLarens Maritime Academy will sponsor two students to become Navigation Cadet Officers, providing them with specialized training and career opportunities that will create a meaningful and lasting impact on their lives. Additionally, we will launch a Female Talent Development Program, aimed at empowering mid-tier women across the organization, helping them build leadership skills and advance in their careers. To support working mothers, we are also introducing a hybrid work model for up to three months post-maternity leave, ensuring a smoother transition back to work while maintaining family commitments.
Recognizing the importance of continuous learning and future-ready skills, we will introduce McLibrary, an initiative designed to encourage a reading culture among employees, along with Generative AI Training, equipping our teams with the knowledge needed to stay ahead in an evolving digital landscape. Well-being is also a key focus, which is why we are launching Walking Wednesdays, encouraging all employees to take a break, step outside, and prioritize their physical and mental health.
The event also featured an insightful session by Dr. Mihirani de Zoysa, a renowned leadership coach and organizational change expert. Her training focused on empowering women to navigate workplace challenges, build resilience, and grow into leadership roles. Adding to the celebration, we introduced McWomens Market, a vibrant platform showcasing women-led businesses from both within and outside the organization while inviting employees to display their creativity and entrepreneurial ventures. This initiative reinforced our commitment to economic empowerment and fostering a culture of innovation.
The theme for International Women’s Day 2025, “Accelerate Action,” perfectly aligns with our mission to drive real, sustainable change. From supporting female cadets in maritime training to investing in talent development and future-ready skills, we are committed to breaking barriers and fostering an inclusive workplace. At McLarens Group, we believe that empowering women is not just a one-day celebration but a continuous journey toward a stronger, more equitable future for all.
