In Sri Lanka, only those earning wages are considered part of the labor force while cooking, cleaning, caring for children and the elderly are not considered work as these are perceived as ‘women’s work’.
This inequality has a negative impact on the wellbeing of girls and women.
To combat this, we need to invest in public services and infrastructure that will reduce the burden on women’s time. We also need to enable women to choose paid work.
Read more of our work on unpaid care work in Sri Lanka:
Protecting Workers’ Rights
Sri Lanka prides itself on its cultural values and commitment to social well-being. However, to truly uphold these values and ensure a just and equitable future for all its workers, Sri Lanka must take a crucial step forward: the ratification of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Conventions 189 and 190.
Convention 189, the Domestic Workers Convention, 2011, addresses the rights of the often-invisible workforce of domestic workers. These individuals, predominantly women, play a vital role in supporting households, yet they frequently face long working hours, low wages, and a lack of legal protection. Ratifying Convention 189 would compel Sri Lanka to establish clear legal frameworks that guarantee decent working conditions, fair wages, social security, and protection against abuse for domestic workers. This would not only align Sri Lanka with international labor standards but also formally recognize the significant contribution of these workers to the nation’s economy and society.
Similarly, Convention 190, the Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019, is a landmark instrument that acknowledges the right of everyone to a world of work free from violence and harassment. This convention recognizes that violence and harassment, including gender-based violence and harassment, are unacceptable and incompatible with decent work. Ratifying Convention 190 would obligate Sri Lanka to adopt laws and policies to prevent and address violence and harassment in all forms across all workplaces. This includes measures for prevention, protection, and access to remedies for victims. By ratifying this convention, Sri Lanka would be sending a strong message that it is committed to fostering safe, respectful, and inclusive work environments for all its citizens.
Ratifying these conventions is not merely about adhering to international standards; it’s about demonstrating a genuine commitment to the well-being and dignity of all workers in Sri Lanka. It’s about building a more just and equitable society where everyone can contribute and thrive without fear of exploitation or harm. The time to act is now. Let Sri Lanka show its commitment to a decent and safe future for all by ratifying ILO Conventions 189 and 190.