📉 Sri Lanka Launches First Country Gender Equality Profile to Address Sharp Index Decline

UN Women Regional Director Christine Arab officially launched the Sri Lanka Country Gender Equality Profile (CGEP), emphasizing that closing gender gaps is essential for the nation’s inclusive recovery and economic resilience. • Global Standing: The report highlights a significant regression in gender equality markers. Sri Lanka fell from 16th place in the Global Gender Gap Index in 2010 to 130th by 2025—a drop of over 100 places in 15 years. • Economic & Labour Impact: Key focus areas include increasing women’s labour force participation and access to economic opportunities. The CGEP notes that investing in women is a primary driver for sustainable development and GDP growth. • Structural Barriers: While judicial reforms are noted, discriminatory social norms and layered inequalities continue to hinder rights. The profile covers safety and security, poverty, and the gendered impacts of climate change. • Policy Recommendations: The visit prioritized strengthening the National Commission on Women (NCW), ensuring it remains independent and well-resourced to drive gender-responsive governance. • Collaborations: Discussions with the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs and diplomats from Australia, Canada, and Japan focused on policy reform, ending violence, and enhancing women's leadership roles.