International Women’s Day 2025 : Accelerating Action for Economic Justice and Women’s Empowerment
On this International Women’s Day, the Law & Society Trust (LST) reaffirms its dedication to advancing democratic governance, the rule of law, and human rights in Sri Lanka. Our commitment to participatory constitutional reforms, critical analysis of discriminatory laws, and advocacy for fundamental rights aligns seamlessly with this year’s theme, “Accelerate Action.”
Social and economic justice and equal protection under the law are the foundations of gender equality. Women, especially those in marginalized communities, continue to face systemic barriers that hinder their economic empowerment, their mobility and their dignity.
Challenges Facing Women in Sri Lanka
- Gender-Based Violence: Despite legal reforms, incidents of rape, sexual abuse, and domestic violence remain alarmingly high. Women’s Wellbeing Survey – 2019, conducted by Sri Lanka’s Department of Census and Statistics, found that in Sri Lanka, one in five (20.4%) ever-partnered women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime. In analyzing women’s coping strategies when living with violence by a partner, the study found that nearly half (49.3%) of the women who experienced sexual violence by a partner did not seek formal help anywhere due to reasons such as shame, embarrassment, and fear of being blamed or not being believed, and/or thinking the violence was normal or not serious enough to seek help
- Child Marriage and Teenage Pregnancy: Harmful traditional practices, such as dowry systems, persist in Sri Lanka. Child marriage and statutory rape are closely linked. To avoid social stigma, marriage is often seen as a “solution” for victims of rape. This leads to the loss of childhood and educational opportunities for young girls.
- Economic Inequality and Male Dominance: Women and girls face structural barriers that limit their workplace opportunities, and cultural barriers that limit their political participation. Women lack financial security and personal safety. Unemployment in Sri Lanka is more acute for educated females than it is for educated males, and this highlights the significant gender disparities in the workforce.
- Laws that perpetuate inequality: The constitution of Sri Lanka continues to perpetuate inequality by permitting the continued operation of personal laws that discriminate against women. Perpetuating inequality in the name of religion and culture continues to disadvantage women and undermine their status as equal citizens of Sri Lanka.
The Need for Changes in Attitudes
To overcome these entrenched challenges, a profound shift in attitudes is essential. This involves challenging patriarchal norms, promoting gender-sensitive education, and creating an environment where women’s rights are recognized and upheld. By accelerating action toward economic justice and women’s empowerment, we can build a more equitable and inclusive Sri Lanka.
On this International Women’s Day, let us unite in our efforts to dismantle systemic inequalities and promote women’s empowerment. Through collective action and commitment, we can create a future where every woman and girl enjoys equal rights, opportunities, and empowerment. Despite the turbulence that we face today, our commitments to international law and human rights are being undermined, we reaffirm our commitment to human rights and our recognition that women’s rights are embedded in the framework of human rights.
-Law and Society Trust-
