The Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj - Minister of Women and Child Affairs

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, before answering, I wish to note that while the World Bank cites Sri Lanka’s female labour force participation at 31.6 percent (2024), this does not fully reflect women’s work. It excludes daily unpaid household and care work and much voluntary work. By valuing only paid work, such metrics conceal women’s true contribution. Recognizing, valuing, and accounting for unpaid care work is not just economic reform; it is foundational to gender justice. With that, my answers:

¶ 02 1. To increase women’s participation, especially in rural and conflict-affected areas such as the Northern Province, the Ministry adopts a rights-based, inclusive approach. Our focus includes: - National Policy on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment, emphasizing local economic contribution. - District-level livelihood programmes—skills and microenterprise support (e.g., Swashakthi); trade fairs, market linkages, and skills training in Jaffna, Kilinochchi, and Vavuniya; deployment of Women Development Officers (WDOs) and Advisory Assistants (CAs); and partnerships with INGOs (e.g., UN Women) to improve access to training and jobs.

¶ 03 2. We recognize that nearly one-third of households in the Northern Province are female-headed. Targeted supports include: - Government recognition of Female-Headed Households (FHHs) and targeted assistance; establishment of a dedicated FHH Resource Centre in Kilinochchi providing psychosocial counseling, vocational training, livelihood planning, and linkages to financial services and cooperatives. - WDO home visits and case management support. - Prioritized inclusion of FHHs in relief and empowerment programmes funded by the Women’s Bureau with NGO support.

¶ 04 3. To promote female entrepreneurship and women-led enterprises: - In 2024, over 400 women in the North were supported via entrepreneurship initiatives—food processing, tailoring, and handicrafts; start-up grants and market linkages (notably in Mullaitivu and Mannar); product expos, participation support, and branding assistance; mentoring and peer-support networks managed by CAs and district women’s networks.

¶ 05 4. To increase women’s participation in the formal economy and create sustainable livelihoods: - Integration through certified vocational training with TVEC, VTA, etc.; “safe houses” in Jaffna and Mullaitivu provide protection to survivors of violence alongside vocational training and reintegration support.

¶ 06 In addition to direct Ministry allocations, other ministries—Fisheries, Agriculture, Industries—also fund women’s empowerment. Local and international NGOs provide material and financial support. From 2026, as the central coordinating institution, the Ministry will ensure that funds across ministries and NGOs benefit prioritized women under a formal system, intervening in policy formulation. WDOs and CAs attached to divisional secretariats and the Sri Lanka Women’s Bureau will direct and monitor these projects.

¶ 07 Regarding social security, the national policy framework focuses on introducing a pension system for all citizens, including those in the informal sector (e.g., farmers, fishers), and using pensions as insurance during disasters. Through the Praja Shakthi Programme, female-headed households will be prioritized via livelihood and income-generating projects. Empowerment is not solely economic; equitable measures also support women affected by violence.

¶ 08 Vocational training and skills development through TVEC, VTA, German Tech, the Hotel School, and private institutions are being expanded for youth not entering higher education, those exiting detention, and unemployed adults, to meet local and foreign job demand. Many branches are concentrated in the Northern Province. Measures include fee exemptions, discounts, concessional loans, and fee reimbursements with development partner grants.

¶ 09 7. I appreciate your proposal. I will prioritize concessional two-wheelers for marginalized women in the North, loans for women entrepreneurs, and project planning for part-time opportunities, especially for women pursuing higher education and those engaged in unpaid care work. I will make necessary interventions in State policy and future Budget proposals.

¶ 10 Our Government will protect and empower all women—nationwide and in the North—through targeted investments, institutional partnerships, and grassroots participation, ensuring a comprehensive and sustainable path to economic independence. Thank you.