Navigating the Work-Life Balance for Sri Lankan Women Entrepreneurs 📈

The challenge of balancing professional growth with traditional domestic duties remains a significant barrier for women in Sri Lanka's economy. While women comprise over 50% of the population, their labour force participation stands at only 30%–34%. • Economic Impact SMEs contribute over 50% of Sri Lanka's GDP and 45% of total employment. Only approximately 25% of these businesses are female-led, with many operating within the informal sector. Structural hurdles include limited access to credit, long working hours, and high financial risks. • Key Challenges Unequal domestic workloads and cultural pressure to prioritize family over business. Lack of affordable childcare and eldercare services. Emotional exhaustion and "guilt" stemming from dual responsibilities, leading to reduced productivity. • Market & Policy Solutions Market-based innovations: Growth in ready-to-cook meals and home delivery services is actively reducing domestic chore time. Strategic shifts: Increasing use of flexible business models and task delegation. Policy needs: Calls for gender-sensitive financing, entrepreneurship training, and state-supported childcare to bridge the gender gap. Supporting women to balance these roles is a national economic priority to ensure a more inclusive and sustainable ICT/BPM and SME ecosystem.