Jayanthi Kuru-Utumpala is not just any mountaineer. She stands tall as the first Sri Lankan to scale Mount Everest. However, her achievements don’t just stop at breaking mountaineering records. An ardent advocate for women’s rights and recognized as one of the most influential women in Sri Lanka in 2019, Jayanthi’s life journey has been one of perseverance, determination, and advocating for change.
This summer, her journey led her to the picturesque trails of the Central Highlands, a UNESCO World Heritage site, as she explored a portion of the newly established Pekoe Trail. This 300km route, created by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, seeks to support sustainable tourism. Jayanthi’s trek, covering stages 13 to 16, seamlessly combined her twin passions: mountains and gender equality. As she navigated the footpaths, she was hosted by the Amba Estate, a unique property focused on upending the traditional norms of the tea industry.
The Amba Estate is a beacon of positive change in an industry often marred by allegations of worker exploitation. Not only does the estate produce organic tea, but it also educates its employees about the tea-making process from plucking to packaging, setting it apart from many traditional estates. Kuru-Utumpala underscores the value of this knowledge for employees to truly appreciate the worth of their work, leading to Amba becoming a sought-after place of employment.
One of the most significant issues Jayanthi speaks about is the gender wage gap prevalent in many of Sri Lanka’s tea estates. It’s not uncommon for women to work full days and men just a fraction of that time, only for both to earn the same wage. This practice is grounded in age-old stereotypes, like the belief that women’s nimble fingers make them superior tea leaf pluckers, while supervisory roles are typically reserved for men. However, places like Amba Estate are challenging this norm, incorporating women in key managerial roles.
During her journey, Jayanthi met Pabasara Manathunga, a young entrepreneur who founded Samanala Farm. This company exports artisanal teas and herbal infusions globally, creating employment opportunities for women in the local area. The 26-year-old’s success story is emblematic of the shifting dynamics in the industry and the wider region.
In addition to exploring tea estates, Jayanthi’s journey introduced her to the vibrant homestay culture emerging in Sri Lanka. Initiatives started by individuals like Australian-born Karen Robertson have enabled local women to transform their homes into sources of income, further supporting gender empowerment in the region.
Having dedicated two decades to championing women’s rights, Jayanthi is fervent about sharing narratives that challenge gender stereotypes. Through her achievements and advocacy, she hopes to inspire young individuals to break free from societal constraints and chase their dreams, emphasizing that every individual has their unique mountain to climb.
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