BLOG 06 - BARRIERS AND RESTRICTIONS FOR WOMEN EMPOWERMENT
Barriers and Restrictions for Women Empowerment
People and Organizations (Assignment MBA of London Metropolitan University) by Shehani Perera
In a country, cultural values have an impact on the conceptualization of empowerment. Mason and Smith
stated that women’s empowerment absolutely imposes that in all human societies
the men commands women, or to be further specific, males control at least small
segment of the women of their societal strata, especially of their families and
households(Mason, Karen, Herbert. 2003)
Girls and women comprise 3/5 of the poor among the world.
The rate of poverty is high and is poorer than that of males as evident gender
disparities in education, jobs and decision-making power exists. The
patriarchal nature of societal structure in Pakistan provides women less
likelihood to get hold of land, low level of legal support for justice and
little opportunities for political participation.
Women are still mostly isolated into occupations that are
less paid than those typically taken by men(Lakshmi, 2004). Many countries
specially in Middle East and some countries in Asia provide women less
likelihood to get hold of land, low level of legal support for justice and
little opportunities for political participation. In those kind of countries
women would have to surpass a number of sociocultural barriers in order to work
and earn money.
The situation of women in Sri Lanka has been influenced by
patriarchal values embedded in traditional, colonial, and post-independence
societies, by relatively liberal traditional laws and gender inequality
reflected in the legal system, and by norms introduced during the British
colonial administration
The most significant achievement has been the formulation of
a Women’s Charter for Sri Lanka by representatives of the Ministry of Women’s
Affairs (MWA) and other key ministries, as well as women’s organizations who
have been lobbying over the years on critical issues pertaining to women. The
Charter is an adaptation of CEDAW to local needs and has seven sections— Civil
and Political Rights, Rights within the Family, Right to Health, Right to
Education and Training, Economic Rights, Social Discrimination, and
Gender-Based Violence
In Srilanka women engagement in employment has been
increasing over past few years. Women involvement in extra ordinary occupations
rather than ordinary occupations can be seen in many industries. In military
services, aviation industry, sports are highlighted. Anusha Siriratne is the
first commercial pilot in Srilanka. Ms Krishanthi Thissera and Ms Shereena
Casseer are the first female air traffic controllers in Srilanka.
Srilankan
Airline currently has four ladies among its 189 pilots, the others being Senior
First Officers Chamika Rupasinghe and Roshani Jinasena. SriLankan does not
discriminate between men and women in its recruitment for any post, including
pilots, and it was simply a matter of time before our lady pilots made history
with an all-female flight
Looking at Air Traffic Controllers, by 2022 the majority of
Air Traffic Controllers in srilanka are ladies. Moreover majority of Airport
Ground staff also ladies who are representing many roles.
Conclusion
Though Srilanka as an Asian country, remains sociocultural
impact for women empowerment, with new generation being employed, there can be
seen a progress of women enrollment in
many industries. This will make a positive effect on women professional lives
and also will cause favorably on country’s development too. With more
government intervention, trainings and career development plans, employment
rate of Srilankan women can be increased and it will be a solution for labor
shortage issue as well
References
Asian Development Bank, 1999. Women in Srilanka. Women
in Srilanka, Issue May, p. 56.
InfoLanka, 2010. All
female flying crew makes history at SriLankan Airlines. [Online]
Available at: https://www.infolanka.com/news/IL/1294.htm#:~:text=The%20airline%20currently%20has%20four,%3A%20%22These%20flights%20by%20Capt.
[Accessed 21 8 2023].
M. Lakshmi Narasaiah, Women and Microcredit (New Delhi:
Sonali Publications, 2004).
Very informative article. Being the first country in the world to elect a woman primeminister, Sri Lanka has laid the foot stone in empowering women. Also shop and office act and wages board act has reserved the rights of workig women providing necessary legal background.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you.
ReplyDeleteThis passage highlights the evolving sociocultural landscape in Sri Lanka in terms of women's empowerment. While historical norms have influenced gender dynamics, the newer generation's participation in various industries reflects progress. This trend not only positively impacts women's professional lives but also contributes to the overall development of the country. The mention of government intervention, training initiatives, and career development plans suggests a proactive approach to increasing the employment rate of Sri Lankan women. This, in turn, could address labor shortages, offering a dual benefit of empowering women and boosting economic growth. The passage underscores the potential for positive change through the combination of shifting societal attitudes, focused policies, and improved access to opportunities for women in the workforce.
I agree with the conclusion of your article. Dismantling barriers to women's empowerment requires a concerted effort, and I believe that diversity and inclusion are powerful tools for achieving this goal. Further, despite significant advancements in women's empowerment, various barriers still hinder progress. Cultural norms and stereotypes confine women to traditional roles. Unequal access to education and healthcare limits personal growth. Workplace biases and pay disparities restrict career growth. Balancing family responsibilities and work remains challenging. Legal and societal barriers curb rights in some areas. Overcoming these obstacles requires challenging norms, promoting equality, offering opportunities, and creating supportive environments. This ensures that women can unleash their potential and contribute fully to society.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, it's truly inspiring to witness the progress being made in Sri Lanka towards women's empowerment, especially considering the sociocultural norms that have prevailed for so long. As a woman who understands the challenges of breaking through those norms, I couldn't agree more with your perspective.The increasing enrollment of women in various industries is not just about individual professional growth; it's a collective stride towards gender equality and the overall advancement of the nation. It's heartening to see how the younger generation is embracing opportunities, challenging traditional roles, and contributing to the workforce.
ReplyDeleteI share your viewpoint.
ReplyDeleteThis excerpt brings attention to the changing sociocultural context in Sri Lanka concerning the empowerment of women. Although traditional norms have shaped gender relations, the involvement of the younger generation across diverse sectors signifies advancement. This pattern not only beneficially affects women's careers but also adds to the holistic advancement of the nation. The inclusion of governmental measures, educational programs, and strategies for career growth implies an active stance in enhancing the workforce participation of women in Sri Lanka.
I concur with the article's assertions that there exist six notable obstructions to women's financial inclusion. These obstacles are linked and generate a cyclical effect, leading to re-distributive consequences that exacerbate the discrepancies between privileged and underprivileged groups.
ReplyDeletePatriarchal structures - social organizations that feature men exercising primary power and authority - constitute one such barrier. This system can create barriers to financial inclusion for women by restricting their access to resources, opportunities, and decision-making power.
Great Article!! In addition to the points you've provided, Women's empowerment is the process of allowing women to have more control over their life and make their own decisions. This can involve encouraging women to actively engage in the economy and political process, as well as making decisions about their own health and well-being.(2023) How has the increasing participation of women in various industries in Sri Lanka, encouraged by new generations entering the work force, resulted in beneficial consequences on women's professional growth and the country's overall development?
ReplyDelete