Impact of female employment on child care in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Female participation in the development process in Sri Lanka has increased after 1948 as a result of the expansion of welfare programmes. Labor force participation rate has also dramatically increased due to the improvement in educational facilities and the creation of new job opportunities. Moreover, the open economy process and structural reforms which occurred in the economic process have influenced in increasing their labour force participation. Although most women are employed to achieve social recognition and economic benefits, their job satisfaction tend to decrease with marriage. In Sri Lankan context, women have to forgo individual advancement after getting married as they have to perform multiple household activities including caring for children and the elderly. The most crucial problem faced by employed women is caring their children.