Breaking the chains of patriarchy

As the world celebrates International Women’s Day, it is imperative to turn a critical eye towards Sri Lanka’s persistent failures in upholding the rights and autonomy of women. While progress has been made in certain areas, the country remains shackled to archaic laws and outdated patriarchal norms that systematically disadvantage women in multiple spheres of life. 

From marriage and reproductive rights to labour policies and migration restrictions, Sri Lanka lags far behind the standards set by modern democracies that prioritise gender equality.

One of the most glaring injustices faced by Sri Lankan women stems from the country’s general law, which continues to deny them autonomy over crucial aspects of their lives. The legal framework governing marriage, divorce, and property inheritance is deeply rooted in centuries-old patriarchal traditions that fail to recognise women as equal individuals with the right to make decisions for themselves. 

Perhaps the most egregious example of this is the continued refusal to recognise marital rape as a crime. Under Sri Lankan law, a woman is deemed to have given irrevocable consent to sexual relations within a marriage at the time of entering into it, effectively erasing her right to refuse sex even in circumstances of coercion or violence. Such laws reflect an outdated and dangerous mindset that disregards a woman’s right to bodily autonomy and dignity.

The situation is equally dire in the sphere of labour rights. Policies that were once instituted under the guise of ‘protecting’ women now serve only to reinforce regressive gender roles and limit opportunities for economic independence. Many labour restrictions were put in place decades ago with the assumption that women required special protection, rather than recognising them as equal participants in the workforce. Such policies have long since outlived their relevance and now serve as impediments rather than safeguards.

The Government’s role in regulating female foreign employment is another stark example of its failure to respect women’s autonomy. In the recent past, the Government-imposed restrictions on female migration under the assumption that it knew better than families themselves what was best for their children. This policy was based on the flawed and patriarchal notion that a mother’s absence due to foreign employment would disrupt the family unit, while ignoring the economic necessity that often drives such decisions. The idea that an adult woman cannot decide what is best for her own family is deeply patronising and underscores the systemic discrimination that continues to shape policymaking in Sri Lanka.

Reproductive health rights are another critical area where Sri Lankan women are denied agency. Policymakers, largely male-dominated, continue to dictate the terms of women’s healthcare without their meaningful input. Restrictions on contraception, abortion, and access to reproductive health services are decided without considering the lived realities of the women affected by them. These laws and policies fail to align with modern understandings of reproductive rights and health, further entrenching gender inequality. 

The need for reform is undeniable and urgent. Sri Lanka must move beyond archaic laws and policies that prioritise patriarchal control over women’s autonomy. True progress can only be achieved when women are recognised as equal decision-makers in all aspects of life—whether in marriage, employment, or health. As we mark another International Women’s Day, it is imperative that Sri Lanka commits to dismantling these oppressive structures and embracing a future where women have the rights and freedoms, they are long overdue.