In recent years, South Asia has experienced notable shifts in female labour force participation (FLFP), with significant variations across countries. India, for instance, has seen a remarkable increase in women’s workforce participation, rising from 22% to 40.3% over six years. This growth has been driven by policies promoting diversity and inclusion, alongside economic developments that have created more opportunities for women.
In contrast, Sri Lanka’s FLFP has remained relatively stable. According to the World Bank, women constituted 33.2% of Sri Lanka’s total labour force in 2023. Similarly, the Sri Lanka Labour Force Survey for the first quarter of 2023 reported a female labor force participation rate of 32.7%, indicating minimal growth over recent years.
Regionally, South Asia has one of the lowest FLFP rates globally, with only 32% of working-age women participating in the labor force in 2023, compared to 77% of men. This disparity highlights the challenges faced by women across the region in accessing and retaining employment opportunities.
Sources:
- “Women employees in India’s workforce surge from 22 per cent to 40.3 per cent in 6 years,” Economic Times.
- World Bank: Female Labor Force Participation (Sri Lanka).
- Sri Lanka Labour Force Survey, Q1 2023.
- World Bank Report on South Asia’s Growth and Gender Disparities.