The Women and Media Collective launched their pilot study on Unpaid Care Work and Persons with Disabilities on 19th October 2023 in Colombo.

This pioneering pilot study brings into focus unpaid care work of the primary caregiver of vulnerable family members including elders and persons with disabilities. The aim is to highlight some of the challenges these carers face and what support they are able to obtain or need. The study was carried out in four districts in Sri Lanka, Colombo, Kurunegala, Anuradhapura, and Batticaloa. The event was attended, among others, by several members of the Parliamentary Women’s Caucus, policymakers, practitioners as well as representatives of organisations and individuals working on issues of social provision and protection.

Ms. Tharanga De Silva, Director -Operations of the Women and Media Collective welcomed the invitees and introduced the background to the study and its purpose. Dr. Sepali Kottegoda, presented the research findings, pointing to the importance of linking women’s paid and unpaid labour and the need to recognise the economic and social support to these individuals. Ms. Suhani Kariyawasam, Vice President of the Sri Lanka Central Federation of the Deaf, N.G. Kamalawathie, Chairperson of the AKASA, Anuradhapura, and Sumika Perera, Executive Director of the Women’s Resource Center, Kurunegala shared their own experiences on Unpaid Care Work and Persons with Disabilities.

The Women and Media Collective also showcased their video production on Unpaid Carers of Persons with Disabilities which was followed by a lively discussion on the issues presented to the audience. 

To access the digital copy of the report please visit the following link –  Pilot Study on Unpaid Care Work and Person with DIsabilities