Empowering women has been a long-standing challenge in societies all over the world, and it is not limited to any specific industry or field. Women have been fighting for equal opportunities, equal pay, and equal representation in decision-making positions for decades. Despite progress being made in some areas, there is still a long way to go in achieving true gender equality. One woman who is leading the charge for women’s empowerment is Dini Isaacs, the Director of Sales for Corporate and Social Events at Cinnamon Grand Colombo.
Dini’s educational background and career path have been instrumental in shaping her views on women’s empowerment. She received her Higher Swiss Diploma in hospitality management from the prestigious Blue Mountain International Hotel Management School in Sydney, Australia. She then worked her way up the ranks in the hospitality industry, starting as a Guest Services Agent at Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo, before joining Hilton Hotels & Resorts in the Maldives and Water’s Edge in Sri Lanka. Today, she is the Director of Event Sales at Cinnamon Grand Colombo, where she continues to blaze a trail for women in the hospitality industry.
Dini believes that empowering women starts with inspiring and motivating others, so that those women would use that as an example and transfer that knowledge and wisdom to others around them as well. She believes that developing great attitudes, good communication skills, negotiating skills, and persuasion skills is essential. As an empowered woman, she has taken it upon herself to influence her work environment positively, using her professional skills to design her own career path and help her colleagues do the same. She constantly looks for innovative ways to create change and explores new paths to improve business operations.
Cinnamon Hotels has taken significant steps to bolster women’s leadership and their full and equal participation in decision-making. The General Manager Mentorship program is one such initiative that offers women opportunities to conquer their fears and acquire new experiences, ultimately helping them advance in their careers. By promoting female empowerment and fighting against barriers and obstacles, Cinnamon Hotels is creating a culture where women are empowered to succeed.
To expand women’s links to each other, Dini believes in building and boosting self-esteem and confidence, being positive, avoiding negativity, being open and honest, and being an advocate for female colleagues. Working together as a positive and powerful team is also crucial. Dini leads by example, as she believes it is the most positive way to empower women, who are deeply influenced by their role models. Mentorship programs and coaching are essential tools for women to take their careers to the next level. Dini leads the “Empowher” program at Cinnamon Grand Colombo, which offers coaching, guidance, encouragement, support, and networking opportunities to take female associates to the next level.
While there has been progress in women’s empowerment, changes are necessary to empower women on a broader scale. Dini believes that education is the key to empowering women and giving them equal rights in society. Getting more women in politics and leadership roles in the country and businesses is also critical. Empowering female entrepreneurs in micro and small business enterprises must be encouraged, which also enhances their decision-making, not only in the household but also in the community. Women should be taught business skills and good personality traits to give them confidence in society, leading to more women taking on responsible roles in society. Women must take ownership of their career development and stay motivated to create a better organizational culture for women in the workplace.
In conclusion, women’s empowerment is a continuous journey, and women like Dini Isaacs are leading the way. Empowering women starts with individuals, and as more women empower themselves and those around them, it will ultimately lead to institutional and societal changes that benefit women on a broader scale. The key is to support and encourage each other, stay motivated, and never stop striving for progress.