" I have penned this article to shed light on real-life incidents I encountered when I served as a Director Of Child & Women Affairs of Human Rights of Sri Lanka (until 2017), and during freelance work as a social activist aiming to address the gender-based issues prevalent in Sri Lanka. Given my close collaboration with several NGOs through a production company, where I serve as a content writer, translator, voice artist, media coordinator, and webinar host, I have delved deep into the heart of these issues. My goal is to offer insights and ideas that can effectively spotlight these concerns for those who are interested in delving into this crucial topic."
Gender issues in Sri Lankan society are diverse and multifaceted. They stem from cultural, historical, and social factors and have evolved over time. Some key gender issues observed in the Sri Lankan community include:
Gender-Based Violence: Gender-based violence, including domestic violence and sexual harassment, is a significant concern. There is a prevalence of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse against women, and many cases go unreported due to social stigma and fear.
Example: In Sri Lanka, domestic violence is a pervasive issue. A prominent case is that of a woman named Dilini (the pseudonym used to protect privacy), who endured years of physical and emotional abuse from her husband. Dilini's story mirrors the experiences of many women in Sri Lanka who suffer in silence due to cultural norms that discourage reporting abuse.
Gender Pay Gap: Women in Sri Lanka often earn less than men for the same work. This wage gap is attributed to a variety of factors, including occupational segregation and traditional gender roles.(I myself have been a victim on this)
Example: The gender pay gap in Sri Lanka is evident in various sectors. For instance, a study revealed that female garment factory workers earn less than their male counterparts, even when they perform the same tasks. This wage disparity restricts economic opportunities for women.
Women's Representation:
Women's Representation: Women are underrepresented in political and decision-making roles. While Sri Lanka has had female political leaders, there is still a lack of female representation in many areas of governance and leadership.
Example: Despite the rise of influential female leaders like Sirimavo Bandaranaike, Chandrika Bandaranayake Kumaratunga Sri Lanka still grapples with low female representation in politics. In the 2020 general elections, women held only around 5% of parliamentary seats, highlighting the need for improved gender balance in leadership roles.
Sexual and Reproductive Health: Access to sexual and reproductive health services can be limited, leading to issues such as unsafe abortions, unwanted pregnancies, and inadequate family planning.
Example: In rural areas, access to sexual and reproductive health services can be limited. This can lead to issues such as unsafe abortions. A 2019 study found that unsafe abortions accounted for a significant portion of maternal deaths in Sri Lanka.
Child Marriage: Child marriage remains a concern in some parts of Sri Lanka, particularly in rural areas. This practice can have adverse effects on the health and well-being of girls.
Example: Child marriage remains a concern, particularly in rural regions. In one case, a 16-year-old girl was forced into marriage due to family pressures, truncating her education and exposing her to early motherhood, both of which can have adverse consequences.
Education: While Sri Lanka has made significant progress in improving girls' access to education, disparities persist, and girls may face obstacles in pursuing higher education and certain fields.
Example: A study revealed that in some areas, boys still outnumber girls in advanced-level education, indicating that girls may face barriers in pursuing higher education and certain fields.
Stereotypes and Cultural Norms: Traditional gender roles and stereotypes continue to shape societal expectations and behavior. These norms often restrict women's freedom and opportunities.
Example: Traditional gender roles and stereotypes restrict women's freedom and opportunities. For instance, it's common for women to be responsible for unpaid care work at home, which can limit their participation in the formal labor force.
Violence Against the LGBTQ+ Community: Discrimination and violence against LGBTQ+ individuals remain issues, and they often face societal and legal challenges.
Example: Discrimination and violence against LGBTQ+ individuals persist in Sri Lanka. In recent years, there have been instances of mob attacks and hate crimes against the LGBTQ+ community, reflecting the challenges they face in seeking acceptance and equal rights.
Refugees and Displaced Women: Sri Lanka has faced conflict and displacement, and women in these situations can be particularly vulnerable to various forms of gender-based violence.
Example: Sri Lanka's history of conflict and displacement has left many women vulnerable to gender-based violence. There are documented cases of sexual violence against Tamil women during the civil war, and these experiences continue to affect their lives.
Efforts to address these gender issues in Sri Lanka involve government policies, civil society organizations, and international bodies. Organizations work on empowering women, advocating for women's rights, and challenging gender norms to promote greater gender equality and social justice. It's important to note that gender issues can vary across different regions and communities within Sri Lanka, and progress may differ in urban and rural areas.
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