A number of barriers prevent women from fully engaging in the workforce, especially at night. Yet the types of challenges faced by those doing night work and shift work can be very different to the challenges faced by those engaged in regular jobs. Many of the studies that focus on increasing labour force participation of females do not take into account the nature of the jobs that are available, and the specific difficulties faced by women when they undertake different types of jobs. This study examines Sri Lankan women’s experiences of night work and shifts in the private hospital and supermarket sectors.