Being a woman in today's fast paced world is certainly a challenge considering how many women have to balance their personal and professional lives. However, many successfully combine the two and the Zonta Woman of Achievement Awards, organised by Zonta Club 1 of Colombo is aimed at giving women recognition for their contribution to society.
Dr. Nirmala Pieris who received the Zonta award for Management in 2006 is currently Head of the Corporate Services Division of the Industrial Technology Institute (ITI). She joined ITI in 1972, soon after graduating from the University of Colombo. "Zonta is a very good system as it is recognises women who have achieved on various aspects," Dr. Peiris said, adding, "I never imagined I would get this award."
A chemist by training, she diversified into management. The transition from one specialization to a completely different one was quite a challenge, but one she was willing to take, she says.
"I always try to combine my work with my home," Dr. Pieris says, explaining that she has four grandchildren with whom she spends a lot of time, getting involved in their activities. At work she says she is a perfectionist.
A past pupil of St. Bridget's Convent, Colombo where she was also Head Girl, she graduated from the University of Colombo and went on to do her post-doctoral studies at the University of London. At the time she was the mother of two and took them along with her during that year. She had previously completed her PhD at the University of Colombo
Apart from her work at ITI she was also the First Vice President of the World Association of Industrial and Technological Research Organisation (WAITRO) from 2002 to 2006 and the Second Vice President from 2006 to 2008. WAITRO has given her the opportunity to travel and get involved in various activities globally. She has been taken on many consultancies for developing countries and feels travelling gives one a different and varied outlook on the world and views, which in turn makes one a balanced and more aware individual.
"Zonta recognises that a woman has to be a well rounded person - your home is important so is your career and you cannot neglect either," she said, adding that in contemporary society women are more proactive and bring the balance that society needs to progress. |
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