Abstract
More than half the population of Sri Lanka are women, yet only one in three workers is a woman. Why are the women in Sri Lanka not entering the labour force? What are the main challenges? How to increase female labour force participation rate in Sri Lanka to ignite economic growth and promote decent work? This policy brief draws from evidence of several studies and national data to analyse the existing barriers preventing women from entering the workforce. A key policy recommendation highlighted in this policy brief is the urgent need to amend archaic labour laws in the country to remove restrictions on night work and overtime for women. Flexible working arrangements and facilitating the same through legislation has also been identified as a major factor which could encourage more women to take up paid work. Furthermore, promoting a safe work culture at workplace and ensuring personal safety of women would reassure women in engaging in night work. The policy brief as an entirety indicates that increasing female labour force participation is a key aspect in promoting economic growth.