By Nirmala Jayasundara

When Lakshmi, a fictional character representing the many women in Sri Lanka, began selling vegetables from her home garden at the local market, she didn’t just supplement her family’s income, she sparked a transformation. This illustrative example reflects the broader trend of how women across Sri Lanka are taking charge of their livelihoods and reshaping their futures and those of their communities.

In Sri Lanka, women have traditionally been seen as the backbone of the family, managing household duties while raising children. This role is deeply respected, yet it has also confined many women to the domestic sphere, limiting their opportunities to contribute more broadly to the economy. However, now the situation is changing. Today, women are increasingly stepping beyond these traditional roles, managing both home and work with remarkable skill.

According to the World Bank, Sri Lanka has achieved near gender parity in education, with female literacy rates at 92%, closely mirroring that of men. Despite this, women’s participation in the labor force remains significantly lower, hovering around 35% compared to nearly 75% for men. This gap represents a vast, untapped potential that, if unlocked, could drive significant economic growth.

Women possess innate abilities that can significantly contribute to the country’s development. Their natural strengths such as multitasking, endurance, and the capacity to manage multiple responsibilities are invaluable assets. Studies have shown that women are more likely to reinvest their earnings into their families and communities, amplifying the impact of their economic contributions. By creating more opportunities for women to join the active labor force and by providing access to education and vocational training, we can unlock this potential, driving not just individual empowerment but national progress.

In rural areas, women play a significant role in agricultural activities, often working alongside their husbands or managing small home gardens. However, their contributions are frequently underappreciated and limited to supportive roles. Yet, these women possess a wealth of knowledge and skills that can greatly enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability. For example, a study by the International Labour Organization (ILO) found that if women had the same access to productive resources as men, they could increase yields on their farms by 20-30%, potentially reducing the number of hungry people in the world by 12-17%.

Livelihood programs have played a pivotal role in empowering women in Sri Lanka, particularly in rural areas. Initiatives like the Samurdhi Development Program and the Women’s Bureau of Sri Lanka have provided women with the tools and resources they need to start small businesses, gain financial independence, and improve their quality of life. The success of these programs is evident in the stories of women who have used their newfound skills to build better futures for themselves and their families.

However, there is still much work to be done. While these programs have made significant strides, they must continue to evolve to meet the changing needs of women in Sri Lanka. This means focusing on long-term sustainability, providing ongoing support, and ensuring that women have access to the resources they need to succeed. It also means advocating for policies that promote gender equality in the workplace, protect women’s rights, and ensure that women can participate fully in the economy.

As we look to the future, the question remains: how can we create a society where every woman has the opportunity to reach her full potential? The answer lies in continuing to support and empower women through education, training, and access to resources. By doing so, we not only improve the lives of women but also strengthen the fabric of our society, creating a more prosperous and equitable future for all.

This perspective is crucial because it highlights the untapped potential of half our population. Imagine the impact if every woman in Sri Lanka were empowered to contribute fully to the economy. It’s not just about equity, it’s about harnessing the full potential of our nation to build a stronger, more resilient future. So what role will you play in this transformation?