How 99X is Empowering Women to Drive Global Impact

For Thiruni Jayasiriwardena, Associate Technical Lead and Mihiri Lekamge, Associate QA Architect, 99x stands as a beacon for women’s empowerment in Sri Lanka. With a strong ethos of diversity and inclusivity, 99x has championed equal opportunities for over two decades. Women play pivotal roles, driving innovation and leading global initiatives. The company’s hybrid work model, transparent evaluation processes, and robust support system ensure a work-life balance, allowing women to excel professionally while managing personal commitments. At 99x, women don’t just participate – according to Thiruni and Mihiri, they lead!

Research indicates that organizations with diverse leadership often outperform financially and demonstrate greater innovation. How has 99x unlocked these opportunities?

Thiruni: At 99x, we champion diversity and inclusivity as drivers of significant industry change. We recognize and honour the distinct insights and ideas that everyone brings, regardless of their gender, race, or religion. This approach guarantees that all members of our organization are treated fairly, empowering them to refine their skills and confidently step into leadership roles.

Our company culture is rooted in collaboration, communication, and innovation. We’ve instituted a clear process for performance evaluations, rewards, and promotions, ensuring everyone has a fair shot at advancing within the company. With women leading 30% of our customer accounts, we visibly demonstrate our commitment to equal opportunity. Simply put, 99x is dedicated to levelling the playing field for all.

How does 99x provide its female staff with the essential resources for continuous development to enhance their roles and effectively support the company’s growth?

Thiruni: At 99x, we prioritize the growth and development of every employee. We ensure that everyone, regardless of gender, has access to essential resources for both personal and professional advancement. For those eager to take on challenges, we offer robust mentoring, training, and career progression opportunities, amplifying their impact on the company and positioning them to influence the industry’s future.

For instance, I joined 99x in 2020 as a fresh graduate and, within three years, progressed to the position of Associate Tech Lead. My growth was propelled by continuous resources, feedback, and guidance from senior members—a trajectory many of my peers, both male and female, have also experienced due to our mentorship programmes.

Furthermore, 99x’s commitment to growth transcends the company’s boundaries. Several of our female colleagues, including myself, actively lead and participate in external initiatives like “Women in Big Data”, with our very own being the initiative’s primary director. We don’t just excel within 99x; we also shine in community leadership and management roles. These endeavours underscore 99x’s unwavering commitment to fostering equal opportunity and comprehensive development.

As 99x pursues global growth, how are women instrumental in this endeavour?

Mihiri: Two years ago, 99x initiated its global expansion, achieving growth both organically and via acquisitions. Even before this, we had nurtured a two-decade-long partnership with Scandinavian enterprises from our base in Sri Lanka. In a significant shift from when I joined 15 years ago, women now manage almost 30% of 99x’s customer accounts, defying the then male-dominated milieu.

This change underscores 99x’s dedication to nurturing female talent. Women at 99x aren’t just limited to in-house leadership; they’re also forging paths with our Scandinavian partners, championing female participation in pivotal business roles and steering committees. Their influence isn’t solely due to their exemplary work but also their stellar team leadership and performance management.

Our focus now includes our budding Malaysian branch, where women are already making significant contributions.
99x aspires to achieve, in Malaysia, the same robust female leadership evident in Sri Lanka. In our organizational structure, women’s presence is evident from boardroom discussions to team leadership. At 99x, our ethos aligns with broader life principles: we are committed to nurturing both our business and its people.

How does 99x support its female employees in achieving work-life balance?

Mihiri: I view work and life as a singular, interconnected entity. Every moment I experience is life, and all activities,
whether coding or spending time with my daughter, are facets of my work. My sense of balance is rooted in inner peace. At 99x, our hybrid work model acknowledges the dual roles women often play, enabling them to balance professional duties while being present for their families. Our international expansion and remote working options ensure that career growth isn’t compromised, even if family needs require relocation. Despite potential time zone challenges with our Scandinavian partners, 99x prioritizes defined work hours to maintain a work-life balance. Our culture encourages open communication, with support available through HR, leadership, and confidential counselling. My personal experiences attest to 99x’s empathetic approach, especially during family emergencies. Such understanding and balance have been instrumental in my prolonged association with the company.