Dr Asanka Wijesinghe highlights the vulnerabilities faced by female garment workers in Sri Lanka, particularly during health crises, due to inadequate housing and limited healthcare access

19 November 2024

IPS Research Fellow, Dr Asanka Wijesinghe discussed the increased vulnerabilities faced by female garment workers in Sri Lanka, particularly during health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. While highlighting the challenges faced by these workers, including inadequate housing and limited healthcare access, he emphasised the need for industry initiatives to support workers’ capacity to manage health and other crises.

Dr. Wijesinghe highlighted that female participation in decision-making during emergencies is often limited, with gender-sensitive approaches overlooked. He suggested that increasing female representation in key decision-making bodies would help address the specific needs of female workers, leading to more effective and equitable responses.

Furthermore, he pointed out the importance in introducing unemployment benefits, by mobilising existing funds, to support female workers during times of crisis. He suggested that such measures could improve the overall resilience of workers, contributing positively to both their wellbeing and the broader industry.

Dr Asanka Wijesinghe made these remarks while presenting key findings from the research study “Improving Pandemic Responses to Reduce Adverse Health Effects on Women Workers in Sri Lanka’s Export Sector” during a webinar titled “Navigating Local Challenges and Cultivating Change: Insights into Gender Equality and Inclusion in Research,” which was part of the Women RISE Initiative Webinar Series organised by the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC). This research is a collaborative effort between the Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka, the University of Ottawa, and the National Planning Department of Sri Lanka, and funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC).