female parliamentary representation Sri Lanka ranked 135th country in the world

• Unpaid work done by women accounts for 40 per cent of their income levels 
• 66 per cent of women witness online harassment  

By Huzefa Aliasger and Oneli Nonis

Though women account for 52 per cent of the total  population, Sri Lanka ranks 135 out of 193 countries in the world in  terms of female parliamentary representation, according to the World  Economic Forum and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).  

The event titled “unlocking the gender dividend” featured  various experts presenting their research on gender based discrimination  in Sri Lanka. The event on raising awareness on the ongoing gender  disparity and the well-being of women in Sri Lanka.  

The event was also attended by Prime Minister Harini  Amarasuriya, who said that “no woman is safe until every woman is safe.”  The Prime Minister also talked about enforcing strong laws that protect  women and their well-being.  

The UNFPA also said that the unpaid work, such as childcare  and household chores, by women accounts for 40 per cent of peak labour income  in their 20s. It means that women give more through unpaid work in  comparison to income levels.

Some 66 per cent of women in Sri Lanka report witnessing  online harassment, which includes blackmailing and obscene content.  Besides, 54 per cent of women experience offline harm often in offices,  which leads to reputational damage, the UNFPA said.