📈 NCW Proposes Policy Reforms to Boost Female Labor Participation

• National Economic Context: Female labor force participation in Sri Lanka remains stagnant at 30%–36% (with 2024–2025 rates around 31%), while women occupy under 30% of management roles and face low political representation. • Key Policy Focus: The National Commission on Women (NCW)—established under the Women Empowerment Act, No. 37 of 2024—is drafting policies to relieve women from unpaid domestic and care work to enable economic and political entry. • Core Proposals: NCW Chairperson Grace Asirwatham highlighted sharing home care responsibilities, introduce shared maternity leave, and utilizing paid help so educated women can enter the workforce. • Broader Reforms: Proposals submitted to Parliament cover provincial council reform, the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act, health policy, and increased female participation in politics. • Operational Roadmap: The NCW plans to recruit ~20 staff members; technical support is being provided by the UN and Human Rights Commission to set up mediation, complaint, and investigation systems. Regional offices are slated for 2028.