An Analysis of Barriers to Sri Lankan Women’s Human Capital Accumulation in Science, Technology, Mathematics, and Engineering

Thematic Area: Human Resource Development

Start Date: November 28, 2024

Human capital accumulation extends from general education from school years to training in job markets. While gender gaps in education and labor market outcomes for women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) have improved, women still face various challenges in selecting STEM at school levels and transitioning to employment following their education. This study explores the barriers at both the school level as students make decisions on STEM subject selection and at the level of entrance to the labor market following the completion of tertiary education. It looks at how female participation in STEM subjects can be improved following the G.C.E Ordinary Level examinations and explores avenues to facilitate human capital accumulation to employment outcomes in STEM fields.