Women in the face of Sri Lankan politics: A literature review based on a background study of women in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Gender diversity in leadership is essential from economic, political, and social perspectives in any society. This study explores the underlying causes of the underrepresentation of women in political leadership in Sri Lanka and proposes policy recommendations to address the identified barriers. A qualitative descriptive design was employed, based on a comprehensive review of relevant literature. Peer-reviewed articles and data published between 2015 and 2024 by the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and the Department of Census and Statistics were analyzed. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify recurring concepts and patterns across the selected literature. The findings highlight several key factors contributing to the limited participation of women in leadership roles, including the influence of higher education, the legal framework, and entrenched cultural norms. Among these, the legal structure and sociocultural environment emerged as the primary impediments, significantly constraining women’s engagement in leadership at the grassroots level. The study concludes that the existing legal framework and prevailing cultural norms exert a strong influence on women’s political participation. To address these challenges, it is recommended that the government implement targeted policies to enhance women’s political engagement, such as expanding access to higher education, reforming institutional mechanisms that reinforce cultural barriers, and empowering women to develop self-confidence and leadership-relevant competencies.