Implement progressive policies to empower women and enhance their well- being

Today, the 2024 International Women’s Day is celebrated under the theme – Inspire Inclusion, which emphasises the importance of diversity and empowerment in all aspects of the society. This year’s theme encourages everyone to recognise the unique perspectives and contributions of women from all walks of life, including those from marginalised communities.

Women in Sri Lanka represent 52% of the population while accounting for 56% of the registered voters. Recognising the significance of women voters during a year in which national elections are slated to be held, the main political parties have placed women issues at the core of their election campaigns. Since gaining independence, the contribution of women to the socio-economic progress of the nation has gained considerable importance. Particularly, with regard to academic accomplishments, women have come a long way and female students represent the overwhelming majorities in the faculties such as arts/humanities, commerce, etc. among universities. Women also occupy prominent positions in both the private as well as public sectors.

The contribution of women towards economic development has increased tremendously since the economy was opened up in 1977. A substantial number of women work in the Middle East as domestic workers amidst very challenging conditions and make an enormous impact on Sri Lanka’s largest source of foreign exchange – worker remittances. Over 70% of the employees of the apparel industry - the largest merchandise export sector – are represented by women workers and their commitment during the COVID-19 pandemic in spite of numerous obstacles to keep the wheels of the economy moving was well appreciated by the general public. Female labour is also an integral element of tea and rubber plantations - major export earners for a long period of time.

Despite the high levels of academic and vocational accomplishments among women, the female labour force participation in Sri Lanka has remained under 40% over a long period of time. Given the ageing population and the diminishing labour force, it is of immense importance to increase the participation rate of women in the labour force. A large number of women in Sri Lanka leave the work force either when they get married or attain motherhood. To address this damaging phenomenon to the economy, the policy makers need to expand childcare facilities while employers need to devise flexible working arrangements to retain female employees. By doing so, women would be able to manage their careers successfully apart from looking after their families and children.

One of the sensitive yet critical issues experienced by women in Sri Lanka, which has come to the forefront of the public discourse in the recent past, is period poverty. The topic was first brought into the mainstream by the Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa during the 2019 Presidential Election. However, he was ridiculed for publicly discussing such an issue by none other than certain prominent female politicians in the calibre of Minister of Environment Pavithra Wanniarachchi. The SJB MP Rohini Kaviratne – a noted advocate of Women’s rights – about 2 years ago disclosed that almost 50% of Sri Lanka’s female student population is hesitant to attend school during their periods. The inability to access proper menstrual products by low-income women and girls warrants the attention of the Government and mechanisms could be developed to offer financial assistance to impoverished households to mitigate period poverty.      

Women who work in the Middle East and certain segments of both the apparel and plantation sectors also undergo various difficulties in terms of working conditions while experiencing harassment, discrimination and abuse in extreme cases.

It is imperative for all political leaders of the country to realise that formulating and implementing comprehensive policies to empower women and enhance the well-being in the interest of the country as a whole, with the benefits reaching all cross sections of the society.