A Critical Analysis of Structural Barriers to Women's Economic Empowerment in Sri Lanka

The recent repeal of legislation in July 2025 that barred women from working night shifts in Sri Lanka’s hospitality industry was heralded by some as a significant step towards gender parity and economic liberalization. However, from the perspective of a development economist with experience in policy-level government positions and international organizations, this singular action risks being a tokenistic gesture unless it is accompanied by a comprehensive, multi-pronged strategy to dismantle the deep-seated legal, structural, and gendered restrictions that continue to suppress female labour force participation (FLFP) in the nation. The challenge in Sri Lanka is not merely about night work; it is a complex interplay of demand-side legal constraints and pervasive supply-side social barriers that collectively limit women's agency and their contribution to the formal economy.

Educated Sri Lankan Women are facing a Jobless Future

Introduction

Highlight

• ·         Female unemployment in Sri Lanka remains significantly higher than male unemployment in all education levels.
• ·         The gap is especially pronounced at the GCE A/L and above level, where the female unemployment rate is 2.55 times higher than the male rate.
• ·         Youth unemployment (15-24 years) is particularly high among females, reaching 30.6%.
• ·         These disparities highlight the need for targeted interventions to address the challenges faced by Sri Lankan women in the labor market.

Sri Lanka, an island nation lauded for its beauty and resilient spirit, faces a paradoxical reality when it comes to its female workforce. Despite boasting high female literacy rates and significant educational gains, Sri Lankan women, particularly those with higher education, are disproportionately burdened by unemployment. This article delves into the complexities of this issue, analyzing its root causes, highlighting existing efforts, and proposing concrete solutions to bridge the persistent gender gap in Sri Lanka's job market.

FAO Report Highlights Inequalities Constraining Female Participation in Agri-Food Systems

In a recent report titled "The status of women in agri-food systems," issued by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), findings reveal that various sources of inequality are constraining female participation, well-being, and empowerment in agri-food systems.

Agri-food systems, which are major employers globally, play a crucial role in the livelihoods of females, often more so than for males in many countries. Despite this, the report points out that females in these systems often face marginalized roles and worse working conditions than their male counterparts, experiencing irregular, informal, part-time, low-skilled, and labor-intensive work, rendering them vulnerable.

The report underscores that multiple sources of inequality contribute to this situation, limiting female access to resources such as land, inputs, services, finance, and digital technology. Additionally, discriminatory social norms and rules impact females' coping mechanisms and resilience, making them more susceptible to the negative impacts of shocks and crises in agri-food systems.

Breaking Barriers: Empowering Women in Sri Lanka's Workforce

Q: Sri Lanka has a significant gender imbalance in its workforce, with low female representation despite advancements in education. Can you tell us more about the challenges women face in finding employment?

A: Certainly. Even though women make up 52% of Sri Lanka's population, their participation in the labour market has remained dishearteningly low, ranging from 30% to 37% for over a decade. Outdated and restrictive labour laws, particularly those concerning working times for women, play a significant role in hindering their employment prospects. These laws limit the hours during which women can work, creating barriers that discourage employers from hiring women and preventing women from working for longer hours to earn a better income.

Q: Could you provide specific examples of these labour laws that restrict women's working times?

A: Yes, several laws impose restrictions. The Shop and Office Employees Act, Employment of Women, Young Persons and Children Act, and Factories Ordinance, for instance, place limits on a woman's right to engage in night work. In most industries, women over 18 can only work until 8 pm, and in certain sectors like hotels and tourism, the cutoff time is 10 pm. These restrictions not only limit women's earning potential but also act as a reason for employers to prefer male candidates over equally qualified female candidates. As a result, women's representation in leadership roles, even in office work, remains significantly low.

Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Women's Advancement in Business Leadership

The role of women in leadership positions has been a topic of increasing importance in recent years, and this is particularly true in Sri Lanka. Despite significant progress in gender equality, women remain underrepresented in senior management positions, particularly in the corporate sector.

Sri Lanka's population is estimated to be around 21 million, with women comprising approximately 57%. However, out of the total economically active population of 8.5 million people, only 33.4% are women, leaving almost 70% of the female population financially inactive.

In the agriculture sectors of tea, rubber, and coconut, women are predominantly employed in labor positions such as pluckers, tappers, and coir workers, with few occupying management roles. Similarly, the garment sector has a higher number of female workers but fewer in management. Migrant workers, mainly women working in domestic labor, contribute significantly to Sri Lanka's foreign exchange, but again, managerial roles are few.

Women Driving Digital Innovation and Technological Advancement in Sri Lanka

Digital innovation and technological advancement are rapidly transforming the world, and Sri Lanka is no exception. In this article, we will explore the role of women in driving digital innovation and technological advancement in Sri Lanka. We will discuss the challenges and opportunities that women face in this field and highlight some of the initiatives and success stories of women who are leading the way in this area.

The Current State of Women in Technology in Sri Lanka

According to a 2021 report by the Sri Lanka Association of Software and Service Companies (SLASSCOM), women make up 35% of the total workforce in the country's IT and BPM (Business Process Management) industry. This represents a significant increase from just 25% in 2015. Additionally, the SLASSCOM Women Technopreneurs Forum has supported the establishment of over 70 women-led tech start-ups in Sri Lanka since its inception in 2012.

Sharing Insights on Women in the Workforce!

Recently, I had the privilege of participating as a special speaker at a National Dialogue organized by WUSC, where I delved into the barriers, opportunities, and recommendations for women in the workforce and Female Labour Force Participation (FLFP) in Sri Lanka. It was an honor to contribute to such an important conversation and to share insights that can drive positive change for women across the nation.

Reflecting on the discussions, I couldn't help but feel proud of the strides that women have made in Sri Lanka's workforce. Did you know that women represent 52% of the population and account for 56% of the registered voters in Sri Lanka? This showcases the significant role that women play in shaping our society and economy.