Publication: Low Female Labor Force Participation in Sri Lanka : Contributory Factors, Challenges and Policy Implications
Date
2013-01
ISSN
Published
2013-01
Author(s)
World Bank
Abstract
Even though Sri Lanka is a fore-runner
in many human development dimensions and aspects of gender
equality amongst the South Asian countries, it is similar to
other South Asian countries when it comes to women's
participation in economic activities. Female labor force
participation has not changed much in recent decades and
remained stagnant at a rate around 30 to 35 percent of
working age women. This rate is much lower than one would
expect given the educational attainment of the female
population in Sri Lanka. In order to encourage increased
women s participation in economic activities, the first
condition is to understand what is keeping them out of the
scene. This paper analyzes the underlying reasons behind low
participation rates of women in economic activities. It also
investigates the employment outcomes, occupational choice,
rates of returns, and skills set of economically active
women in comparison with men to identify and understand the
gaps. The findings have been used to suggest potential
policies and programs that can help remove some of those
barriers and encourage and enable women to become more
economically active in the labor market.
Citation
“World Bank. 2013. Low Female Labor Force Participation in Sri Lanka : Contributory Factors, Challenges and Policy Implications. South Asia : human development sector
discussion paper series;no. 68. © Washington, DC. http://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/17871 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”