On March 8, 2025, as the world celebrates International Women’s Day, Sri Lanka finds itself at a pivotal moment in the journey towards gender equality. This day provides an opportunity to reflect on the progress made, but also to confront the pressing issues that remain. While Sri Lanka has witnessed groundbreaking achievements from women leaders, there is still much to be done to ensure that all women, irrespective of their background, have equal opportunities and can thrive in every sphere of society. This year’s theme, “Accelerate Action,” is an urgent call for meaningful and swift changes across the globe, and Sri Lanka must not be left behind.
The Struggles That Remain
Sri Lanka has a rich history of female leadership. Mrs. Sirimavo Bandaranaike became the world’s first female Prime Minister, breaking barriers that were once unimaginable. Decades later, women in Sri Lanka have proven their resilience, but despite this, they continue to face systemic challenges in politics, economics, and social structures. For every woman who has risen to prominence, there are countless others still grappling with inequalities and barriers that hinder their progress.
The Need to Eliminate Domestic Violence and Gender Discrimination
One of the most pressing issues for women in Sri Lanka—and across the world—is domestic violence. Despite legislative changes and increasing awareness, many women continue to suffer in silence. Domestic violence not only causes physical harm, but it also inflicts lasting psychological damage. The government must prioritize the enforcement of existing laws and ensure that survivors have access to safe spaces, legal support, and counseling.
Equally important is the need to eliminate all forms of gender discrimination. Whether in the workplace, at home, or in society, gender discrimination limits women’s opportunities and hinders their growth. Women should be able to participate fully in the economy, politics, and community life without facing prejudice based on their gender. This can only happen when we challenge ingrained stereotypes and societal norms that restrict women to certain roles.
Revaluing Women’s Roles in Society and Overcoming Stereotypes
The deeply rooted stereotypes in our society play a critical role in shaping how women are perceived and treated. From childhood, girls are often taught to accept limiting expectations—whether it’s the notion that women should only care for the home and children, or that they must conform to specific standards of beauty. These stereotypes restrict the freedom of women, hinder their growth, and create a harmful environment that is repressive. It is essential that we reevaluate these beliefs, not just as individuals, but as a society.
Increasing Female Labor Force Participation for National Development
Increased participation of women in the labor force is not only beneficial for women but also essential for the economic development of Sri Lanka. The country cannot afford to continue underutilizing its human resources. Women’s economic empowerment is vital to reducing poverty, improving living standards, and ensuring that Sri Lanka’s economy can thrive in an increasingly competitive global market. By creating more opportunities for women to enter and excel in the workforce, we can unlock the potential of half the population and create a more sustainable and prosperous future.
Increasing Female Representation in Leadership Roles
There is a need to increase female representation in leadership roles, both in the corporate sector and in the political arena. In the corporate world, women continue to be underrepresented in top management positions and decision-making roles. It is essential to create more opportunities for women to rise to leadership positions, ensuring that their voices are heard at the highest levels of business.
In politics, creating a conducive environment for women to enter Parliament is equally important. Sri Lanka’s political landscape must evolve to be more inclusive, with an emphasis on female representation at the highest levels of government. Policies must be put in place to support and mentor female political leaders, ensuring that they are given the tools and resources they need to succeed. Political parties must also work to remove any barriers that prevent women from standing for office, including issues of violence, harassment, and discrimination.
Ending Violence and Harassment in Public Spaces
Public spaces should be safe for everyone, but for women in Sri Lanka, the reality is often different. Harassment in public transport and on the streets is a daily occurrence for many women. This is not only an infringement on their basic rights but also a barrier to women’s freedom of movement, participation in economic activities, and access to education. The government must enforce stronger policies to protect women in public spaces, ensuring that perpetrators of harassment face justice and that women feel safe to move freely within their communities.
Tackling Period Poverty: A Basic Right for Women’s Health
Period poverty is a critical issue that affects the lives of many women in Sri Lanka, especially in rural areas. Lack of access to affordable sanitary products forces many women and girls to miss school or work, damaging their health and productivity. To ensure that women have the ability to live healthy, dignified lives, it is essential that sanitary products be made affordable and accessible to all. Tackling period poverty is not just a matter of health—it is an issue of gender equity and human rights.
The Call for Immediate and Accelerated Action
As we mark International Women’s Day, Sri Lanka must recognize that while progress has been made, it has been too slow. The country must take accelerated action to address these pressing issues:
Eliminate Domestic Violence and Gender Discrimination: Strengthen the implementation of laws to protect women, create safe spaces for survivors, and work toward the elimination of harmful gender stereotypes.
Increase Female Labor Force Participation: Provide women with equal opportunities in the workforce, support female entrepreneurship, and create policies that enable women to balance work and family responsibilities.
End Harassment in Public Transport: Strengthen laws that protect women from harassment in public spaces, and create safe environments for women to move freely.
Tackle Period Poverty: Ensure affordable access to sanitary products for all women and girls to prevent school and work absenteeism and promote women’s health and dignity.
Increase Female Representation in Leadership: Provide support for women to enter leadership positions in both the corporate world and in politics, ensuring that women's perspectives are incorporated into decision-making processes at all levels.
Conclusion: A Vision for an Inclusive Future
As we look toward the future, let this International Women’s Day be a reminder of both the progress we have made and the work that lies ahead. Sri Lankan women have shown incredible strength, resilience, and courage throughout history. But we must do more. To truly build an inclusive society, we must not only celebrate women’s achievements but take concrete steps to ensure that every woman—regardless of her background—has the opportunity to live free from violence, discrimination, and fear.
It’s time to “Accelerate Action.” Together, we can create a future where Sri Lankan women are empowered, safe, and given equal opportunities to thrive. This is not just a dream—it is a necessity for the growth of our nation.
The Struggles That Remain
Sri Lanka has a rich history of female leadership. Mrs. Sirimavo Bandaranaike became the world’s first female Prime Minister, breaking barriers that were once unimaginable. Decades later, women in Sri Lanka have proven their resilience, but despite this, they continue to face systemic challenges in politics, economics, and social structures. For every woman who has risen to prominence, there are countless others still grappling with inequalities and barriers that hinder their progress.
The Need to Eliminate Domestic Violence and Gender Discrimination
One of the most pressing issues for women in Sri Lanka—and across the world—is domestic violence. Despite legislative changes and increasing awareness, many women continue to suffer in silence. Domestic violence not only causes physical harm, but it also inflicts lasting psychological damage. The government must prioritize the enforcement of existing laws and ensure that survivors have access to safe spaces, legal support, and counseling.
Equally important is the need to eliminate all forms of gender discrimination. Whether in the workplace, at home, or in society, gender discrimination limits women’s opportunities and hinders their growth. Women should be able to participate fully in the economy, politics, and community life without facing prejudice based on their gender. This can only happen when we challenge ingrained stereotypes and societal norms that restrict women to certain roles.
Revaluing Women’s Roles in Society and Overcoming Stereotypes
The deeply rooted stereotypes in our society play a critical role in shaping how women are perceived and treated. From childhood, girls are often taught to accept limiting expectations—whether it’s the notion that women should only care for the home and children, or that they must conform to specific standards of beauty. These stereotypes restrict the freedom of women, hinder their growth, and create a harmful environment that is repressive. It is essential that we reevaluate these beliefs, not just as individuals, but as a society.
Increasing Female Labor Force Participation for National Development
Increased participation of women in the labor force is not only beneficial for women but also essential for the economic development of Sri Lanka. The country cannot afford to continue underutilizing its human resources. Women’s economic empowerment is vital to reducing poverty, improving living standards, and ensuring that Sri Lanka’s economy can thrive in an increasingly competitive global market. By creating more opportunities for women to enter and excel in the workforce, we can unlock the potential of half the population and create a more sustainable and prosperous future.
Increasing Female Representation in Leadership Roles
There is a need to increase female representation in leadership roles, both in the corporate sector and in the political arena. In the corporate world, women continue to be underrepresented in top management positions and decision-making roles. It is essential to create more opportunities for women to rise to leadership positions, ensuring that their voices are heard at the highest levels of business.
In politics, creating a conducive environment for women to enter Parliament is equally important. Sri Lanka’s political landscape must evolve to be more inclusive, with an emphasis on female representation at the highest levels of government. Policies must be put in place to support and mentor female political leaders, ensuring that they are given the tools and resources they need to succeed. Political parties must also work to remove any barriers that prevent women from standing for office, including issues of violence, harassment, and discrimination.
Ending Violence and Harassment in Public Spaces
Public spaces should be safe for everyone, but for women in Sri Lanka, the reality is often different. Harassment in public transport and on the streets is a daily occurrence for many women. This is not only an infringement on their basic rights but also a barrier to women’s freedom of movement, participation in economic activities, and access to education. The government must enforce stronger policies to protect women in public spaces, ensuring that perpetrators of harassment face justice and that women feel safe to move freely within their communities.
Tackling Period Poverty: A Basic Right for Women’s Health
Period poverty is a critical issue that affects the lives of many women in Sri Lanka, especially in rural areas. Lack of access to affordable sanitary products forces many women and girls to miss school or work, damaging their health and productivity. To ensure that women have the ability to live healthy, dignified lives, it is essential that sanitary products be made affordable and accessible to all. Tackling period poverty is not just a matter of health—it is an issue of gender equity and human rights.
The Call for Immediate and Accelerated Action
As we mark International Women’s Day, Sri Lanka must recognize that while progress has been made, it has been too slow. The country must take accelerated action to address these pressing issues:
Eliminate Domestic Violence and Gender Discrimination: Strengthen the implementation of laws to protect women, create safe spaces for survivors, and work toward the elimination of harmful gender stereotypes.
Increase Female Labor Force Participation: Provide women with equal opportunities in the workforce, support female entrepreneurship, and create policies that enable women to balance work and family responsibilities.
End Harassment in Public Transport: Strengthen laws that protect women from harassment in public spaces, and create safe environments for women to move freely.
Tackle Period Poverty: Ensure affordable access to sanitary products for all women and girls to prevent school and work absenteeism and promote women’s health and dignity.
Increase Female Representation in Leadership: Provide support for women to enter leadership positions in both the corporate world and in politics, ensuring that women's perspectives are incorporated into decision-making processes at all levels.
Conclusion: A Vision for an Inclusive Future
As we look toward the future, let this International Women’s Day be a reminder of both the progress we have made and the work that lies ahead. Sri Lankan women have shown incredible strength, resilience, and courage throughout history. But we must do more. To truly build an inclusive society, we must not only celebrate women’s achievements but take concrete steps to ensure that every woman—regardless of her background—has the opportunity to live free from violence, discrimination, and fear.
It’s time to “Accelerate Action.” Together, we can create a future where Sri Lankan women are empowered, safe, and given equal opportunities to thrive. This is not just a dream—it is a necessity for the growth of our nation.
