Successive Sri Lankan governments have shown commitment to women’s economic empowerment, but with limited success. A team of local researchers found that access to decent work is generally very low in Sri Lanka, but particularly among women. Low-skilled women, young women, and those employed in agriculture have the least access to decent work. The team showed that women’s participation in decent work increases exponentially with higher levels of education. Additionally, affordable, good quality and convenient childcare can improve women’s access to decent work. However, the use of childcare facilities in Sri Lanka is very low. Policies that can promote higher education and provide affordable childcare are likely to allow more women to hold decent jobs.
Find out more about the research methods, findings and policy recommendations in the following PEP publications: