Women’s Economic Participation in Sri Lanka: Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract

Women’s economic participation is crucial for national development, yet Sri Lanka continues to experience a persistently low female labor force participation rate (LFPR) of 32.1% (Department of Census and Statistics, 2023), with a gender gap exceeding 40%. This study employs descriptive statistics and survey-based analysis to examine the key factors influencing women's employment, including education, marital status, workplace flexibility, and socio-cultural constraints. Using secondary data (2015-2023) and primary survey responses (N=300 women, N=50 employers), the study identifies major barriers such as childcare responsibilities, workplace discrimination, gender pay gaps, and sectoral employment disparities. Findings reveal that women are predominantly employed in low-paying sectors such as agriculture and services, while their representation in STEM, finance, and senior management remains critically low. The analysis highlights the urgent need for policy interventions, including stronger labor laws, enhanced childcare support, and workplace diversity initiatives to promote gender equity in employment. Additionally, entrepreneurship support and targeted education programs can help bridge the gap and create more opportunities for women in high-growth industries. Addressing these challenges through legal, institutional, and cultural reforms is essential for fostering an inclusive and sustainable labor market, ultimately contributing to Sri Lanka’s economic progress.