Participation of Female Workforce in the Construction Sector in Sri Lanka: Challenges and Policy Implications

Abstract

It is widely accepted that women do not have equal rights and status, particularly in developing nations. The various theoretical and empirical studies show gender inequalities in salaries, earnings, income and pay scales, and the construction sector is no exception. This study highlighted potential areas for women in the construction sector labour market by analyzing market and employment related trends and requirements on the demand and supply sides. Further, the study identified the challenges and necessary policy implications for enhancing female labour force participation in the construction sector in Sri Lanka. Many female workforces believe that developing a critical mass of women in different occupations in the construction sector would encourage more women to enter the business. Many studies have shown that since women have poor levels of skills and are either not given or unaware of skill upgrading opportunities, they are unable to enter or flourish in construction-related industries. In addition, interruptions in careers, limitations on flexible working hours, engaging in precarious work due to household responsibilities, and the gender pay gap are some other important factors that limit labour market activities by women, thus lowering social protection coverage for females. Besides socio-cultural and religious barriers, the data also revealed that women face sexual harassment, which discourages them from continuing their jobs in the construction sector for a long time.