Steeping Success: How Eswaran Brothers is Growing Women Leaders
This case study describes Eswaran Brothers Exports’ journey in advancing women’s representation in cost-effective, tangible ways. It showcases how meaningful inclusion comes from leadership commitment, evidence-based action, and by engaging staff at all levels.
Eswaran Brothers Exports, a leading Sri Lankan tea manufacturer and exporter, partnered with Value for Women and FMO to advance women's representation across their company.
A gender diagnostic revealed two main barriers to women’s advancement: parenthood-stage attrition and absenteeism coupled with unclear advancement systems. In response, Eswaran Brothers piloted small-scale, low-cost interventions targeting workplace policies and manager mindsets, including updates to promotion systems, parental reintegration practices, manager coaching, and career sponsorship.
Within 6 months, women’s promotions rose 2.4x, while men’s increased 2x. The largest gains were for women, demonstrating how standardising performance management and reducing bias can drive more equitable advancement. Both women and managers described a step-change in women’s confidence, visibility, and ownership of their career trajectory.
This case study provides clear evidence that workplace transformation is within reach .By grounding action in data, listening to staff, engaging middle managers, and piloting practical solutions, Eswaran Brothers strengthened women’s representation, reduced attrition, and opened clearer pathways to leadership.
Alida Taghiyeva is an Engagement Manager at Value for Women. She brings extensive experience in research, advisory, and capacity-building, with a focus on advancing women’s entrepreneurship and financial and digital inclusion. She has led regional and country-level programs for UN ESCAP, FAO, and ITU, among others, driving inclusive economic development across Asia-Pacific, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East.
As Associate Director of Advisory Services, Renée oversees, manages and delivers a global portfolio of innovative gender and business projects, working with impact investors, businesses, and entrepreneurial ecosystem actors. Renée brings a background in financial and digital inclusion, innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystems, along with a passion for supporting women’s empowerment to her work at Value for Women. She has previously worked with Cenfri as Project Lead for the i2i Facility in South Africa, as well as with Divitel in the Netherlands.