Business

Women’s increasing vulnerability and COVID-19

Published

4 years ago

2021/09/21

Sahan Weerasooriya

Sri Lanka’s Gender-based Employment Segregation

By Sunimalee Madurawala

Although COVID-19 may be gender-blind, it has created a crisis that has disproportionately affected women across the globe. The economic impact of the pandemic is mostly channelled through the labour market. Estimates show that women’s jobs are 1.8 times more vulnerable than men’s jobs, and while women make up 39% of global employment, they account for 54% of overall job losses. While many factors affect the vulnerability of women’s employment during the pandemic, existing gender gaps in the labour market, women’s employment share in highly-affected sectors, the ability to telecommute and the amount of unpaid care work carried out by women have been identified as the main determinants. In this context, this blog examines women’s vulnerability in the Sri Lankan labour market due to the sector they are employed in. It also looks at gender-based employment segregation – a key factor behind women’s overrepresentation in certain industries and underrepresentation in others – and proposes policy measures to address this imbalance.

Impact of COVID-19 on Employed Women in Sri Lanka

A comparison of labour market figures and indicators for Sri Lanka for the fourth quarters of 2019 and 2020 shows a severe impact on women (Figure 1). While the absolute number of employed men has increased by 38,938, the number of employed females has decreased by 189,148. The number of economically inactive persons has increased between the years. Females account for 64% of that increase in economically inactive persons. The labour force participation (LFP) rates for both sexes have decreased significantly but the fall is more prominent for women. The unemployment rate has increased for both sexes during the period, whereas the increase for men is marginally higher than that for females attesting to the lowered LFP of women.

The Sector Matters

The greater impact on employed women due to the pandemic is linked directly with the sectors they are employed in. Calculations of the author on women’s employment in Sri Lanka based on an assessment by the International Labour Organization indicate that their employment share is high in both low-risk and high-risk economic sectors (Figure 2).

Manufacturing (including the sub-sector of textile manufacturing), accommodation and food services, and wholesale and retail are high-risk sectors with relatively high female employment shares. Female representation is relatively high in some medium-high risk and medium risks sectors such as ‘arts, entertainment, recreation, and other services’ and ‘financial and insurance activities’, respectively, as well. Even though health is a low-risk sector, women employed in the health sector face a higher risk of contagion.

Gender-based Employment Segregation – a Cause for Women’s Employment Vulnerability?

Gender-based employment segregation – ‘the unequal distribution of men and women across and within job types’, is often the major reason for women’s (or men’s) over-representation in certain sectors. In most cases, especially for females, their choice of employment is linked with the traditional gender roles they play in society (i.e. direct and indirect care responsibilities such as caring for children, the elderly, and the sick, cleaning, cooking, shopping, and fetching water and fuel). For example, in Sri Lanka, the female share in several frontline occupations is high (i.e., health professionals, health-related professionals, and care workers). These occupations are directly linked with women’s traditional gender roles.

Gender-based employment segregation creates unfavourable labour market conditions such as gender gaps in wages, job quality and employment trajectories. Demand-side factors, as well as supply-side factors, limit women’s choice in selecting an employment sector, thus causing employment segregation. Gender gaps in skills and qualifications, domestic and care responsibilities, safety (i.e. harassment at workplaces and when using public transport) issues, and lack of role models and networks are some important supply-side factors. Gender biases in recruitment, evaluation and promotion processes, employers’ perceptions of women employees (where employers perceive women employees as more suitable for certain types of jobs) and features of the workplace culture are important demand-side factors.

Way Forward

Both training in hard skills and soft skills would increase women’s chances of securing employment in fields traditionally dominated by males. Specific interventions that reduce and redistribute women’s domestic and care responsibilities (i.e. expanding access to key infrastructure for care and investing in labour-saving technology, and redistributing care responsibilities between men and women within households and between households and state and other institutions) would lessen the burden of care responsibilities borne by women. This would create an enabling environment for women to participate in labour market activities and to expand the array of employment options available for them.

Strengthening the legal framework and law enforcement mechanisms is important to ensure the safety of working women both at the workplace and when travelling to work. Furthermore, promoting female role models who have succeeded in traditionally male-dominated sectors would inspire women to choose such careers. In addition, establishing workplace cultures that practice gender-blind recruitment, evaluation, and promotion processes are needed to curtail demand-side factors of gender-based employment segregation.

* This blog is based on the comprehensive chapter on “The COVID-19 Pandemic and Employed Women: Ensuring Gender Equality beyond the Pandemic” in IPS’ forthcoming annual flagship publication ‘Sri Lanka: The State of Economy 2021’.

Link to blog: https://www.ips.lk/talkingeconomics/2021/09/07/sri-lankas-gender-based-employment-segregation-does-it-increase-womens-vulnerability-amidst-covid-19/

Sunimalee Madurawala is a Research Economist at IPS. Her research interests include health economics, gender and population studies. Sunimalee holds a BA (Economics Special) with First Class Honours and a Masters in Economics (MEcon) from the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. (Talk to Sunimalee – sunimalee@ips.lk)

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Business

Browns Investments sells luxury Maldivian resort for USD 57.5 mn.

Published

19 hours ago

2025/12/21

Thilina Walpola

A five star 100-room Maldivian resort hotel property controlled by Browns Investments PLC has been disposed for USD 57.5 million, Browns Investment said in a stock exchange filing on Friday. The company had previously disclosed in September that the deal was in the pipeline pending completion of precedent conditions.

The property. Barcelo’ Whale Lagoon Maldives, belonged to Browns Ari Resort (Private) Ltd., a subsidiary of Browns investments, was purchased by ASB Hotel Properties Maldives Private Ltd.

“The transaction was completed following the satisfaction of the conditions precedent set out in the Sale and Purchase Agreement, for a total consideration of USD 57,500,000,” the filing said. The price was considered “significant” but was not the highest in the Maldives where high end hotel properties command top dollar.

Browns Investments (BIL) has a significant presence in the Maldives, developing multiple properties, notably through partnerships with Spain’s Barceló Hotel Group for projects like Barceló Whale Lagoon (now sold), Barceló Nasandhura (city hotel/apartments), and the Bodufaru Beach Resort (a major integrated project with three hotels) in North Male Lagoon, with BIL aiming to be a major Sri Lankan hotel operator in the Maldives with large room capacity.

BIL’s key Maldives projects are:

Bodufaru Beach Resort: A large-scale development in North Male Atoll with three five-star hotels, a significant undertaking with Barceló Hotel Group and Syno Hydro Corporation.

Nasandhura Palace Hotel (Barceló Nasandhura): A luxury city hotel and apartment complex in Male, managed by Barceló.

Strategy & Partners:

Browns Investments partners with Barceló Hotel Group, a Spanish hotel chain, for management and investment in their Maldivian properties.

The company aims to become the largest Sri Lankan hotel investor and operator in the Maldives, significantly expanding its room keys in the region, as described on the Browns Investment website.

Browns Investments is actively developing and managing luxury hotel properties in the Maldives, focusing on large integrated resorts and city hotels, leveraging international partnerships to grow its presence in the high-end tourism market, according to the company.

Business

Marketing Alumni Association of USJ Outlines Strategic Vision to Strengthen the Future of Marketing in Sri Lanka

Published

19 hours ago

2025/12/21

Thilina Walpola

Executive Committee of the Marketing Alumni Association

The Marketing Alumni Association (MAA) of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura (USJ) set out its strategic direction for the year ahead at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on 10 December 2025. The event brought together academic representatives from the Department of Marketing Management and a strong contingent of alumni, providing a platform to review the association’s progress and reaffirm its commitment to advancing the marketing profession in Sri Lanka.

As the official body representing graduates of the Department of Marketing Management of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, the MAA has, over the past 25 years, supported a network of more than 1,500 marketing professionals who now hold influential roles in leading private and public sector organizations. The association remains committed to elevating the standing of the Japura Marketing degree by strengthening industry partnerships, supporting academic excellence, and fostering a high-performing alumni community.

A key focus of the AGM was the appointment of Oshadee Withanawasam as President of the MAA for the upcoming term (2025-2027). In his inaugural address, Mr. Withanawasam emphasized the importance of strategic leadership, industry relevance, and collaborative growth in positioning USJ and its alumni at the forefront of marketing innovation in Sri Lanka.

Over the past year, the MAA has intensified its engagement efforts through a series of high-impact initiatives. The Kings and Queens Dinner Dance 2025, which brought together over 200 members, strengthened camaraderie within the alumni network. On the academic front, the association’s flagship ‘Fine Touch’ guest lecture series, conducted in partnership with the Department of Marketing Management, USJ, continued to offer undergraduates valuable exposure to industry best practices and emerging trends.

A significant milestone for the association was the launch of its first structured mentoring program for undergraduates of the department. This initiative marks a notable advancement in bridging academic training with practical corporate experience, equipping students with the competencies required to excel in a competitive business environment.

The MAA also continued to deliver meaningful social impact through its ‘Bring a Smile’ initiative, which has supported rural schoolchildren for three consecutive years (2023–2025) by providing essential stationery supplies. Further strengthening its commitment to education, the association introduced a scholarship scheme in 2024 to support deserving undergraduates pursuing their higher education in marketing.

During the AGM, outgoing President Dr. Darshana Jayasinghe and the Head of the Department of Marketing Management of USJ, Prof. Sandamali Galdolage, commended the association’s continued progress and reiterated their support for its long-term vision.

The following office bearers were appointed for the new term: Oshadee Withanawasam (President), Amitha Amarasinghe (Deputy President), Nipuni Karunarathna (Vice President), Vimukthi Kaushalya (Secretary), Thisaru Menake (Assistant Secretary), Nuwan Indika (Treasurer), and Thilanka Kalpage (Assistant Treasurer). Committee Members for the term include Prof. Ashoka Malkanthie, Chandra Kodithuwakku, Manuri Jayasinghe, Champika Vincent, Naleendra Yasassri Perera, Kaushan Agalawatte, Chandranath Gamage, and Pamudi Ketawalage.

Dr. Darshana Jayasinghe and Lalith Sumanasiri will serve as Advisors, while Prof. Sandamali Galdolage, Manojee Dabare, and Prof. Lalith Chandralal will continue as Trustees of the MAA.

Business

18 certified sales training consultants graduate at BMICH

Published

19 hours ago

2025/12/21

Thilina Walpola

A graduation ceremony for 18 Certified Sales Training Consultants, qualified to mentor aspiring marketing professionals and enhance standards in the country’s sales sector, was held recently at the Bandaranaike International Conference Hall.

The graduates represent the first phase of a programme aimed at producing 50 Certified Sales Training Consultants nationwide. The training and certification were conducted by the Asian College of Sales and Marketing (ACSM).

According to ACSM Director and Learning Consultant Sugath Munasinghe, the need for professionally certified sales training consultants to raise the quality and effectiveness of the sales sector has been identified for some time. He added that ACSM, as a higher education institute, will continue to provide structured training and certification to meet this demand.