At the 14th Top 50 Career and Professional Women Global Awards, held in Kuala Lampur, Malaysia on 7th November 2024, Menaca Calyaneratne received the Gold Award for Excellence in Strategic Leadership in Humanitarian work.
Menaca currently serves as the Global Head of Employee Relations at Save the Children International. Her service spans over 24 years in promoting children’s rights in the fields of media and communications, advocacy, child rights governance, child safeguarding and human resources. Her career started in Sri Lanka as a communications Officer. She was the Spokesperson for the agency for 12 years collaborating with both local and international media. She was a strong advocate for children’s rights in the aftermath of the Tsunami and spoke about the challenges children faced during the armed conflict. She then moved on to serve the Asia region as an international Child Safeguarding Director. Her expertise was received by 13 counties in South, Central and Southeast Asia.
Taking on the role of Global Head of Employee relations in 2022, she supports 60 countries in Asia, Middle East, African continent, Latin America and the Caribbean regions. She is a trainer and a facilitator for child rights, child and adult safeguarding. She is also a certified investigator to inquire into sexual exploitation and abuse of children.
Menaca is a past pupil of Visakha Vidyalaya Badulla and Bambalapitiya. She read English and Journalism for her bachelor’s degree at the University of Colombo. She received her master’s degree on Communication and Journalism from University of Madurai, India. She writes poetry in her spare time and launched her maiden collection of poetry titled ‘A Fistful of Stars’ in Toronto Canada in 2019.
“Humanitarian work is challenging and does not usually get recognition at award ceremonies. Humanitarian work demands protection for vulnerable people during disruptive times such as natural disasters and wars. We challenge injustice and advocate on behalf of the voiceless. In addition, we provide humanitarian aid and ensure that rights of the affected persons are protected.
So it is always teamwork. I share this award with all humanitarian workers who are there for the most marginalised and vulnerable communities including children.” Menaca said.
An international panel of judges made the final selection out of 296 nominations from across the world who vied for the 50 awards for career and leadership. The event was organised by Women in Management (WIM) Malaysia Chapter.
