The Hon. Faiszer Musthapha, PC

¶ 01 [5.03 p.m.]

¶ 02 Hon. Presiding Member, I am thankful for the opportunity to speak on the Adjournment Motion brought to mark International Women’s Day. I wish to place on record my views, adding something to what the Hon. Bimal Rathnayake stated.

¶ 03 Sir, unless we respect the women in this House, we would not be able to get women to join politics in this country. If the dignity of our women is not protected in this House, it creates a serious problem for us as Members of Parliament. This is not a political remark; the responsibility lies with all of us. It is very difficult for a woman to come to this Parliament. Their integrity is often maligned, yet they endure and come here. While privilege allows us to speak freely without fear of defamation suits, using that freedom to insult women is a problem. This august House must take special measures against such conduct. If we cannot protect women here, we will not be able to bring capable women into politics. Our country produced the world’s first woman Prime Minister; we should be proud. Our current Prime Minister is also a woman, which is another source of pride.

¶ 04 At this time of celebrating International Women’s Day, I am disheartened by the world situation—conflict in Iran and civilian deaths everywhere. Every moment, a woman becomes a widow. That is a great concern because a widow bears a heavy social burden—her grief is not due to her fault, but due to conflicts that have created unrest worldwide.

¶ 05 Hon. Prime Minister, in our universities, about 60 percent are women, but in the labour force men account for about 70 percent and women only around 30 percent. Why are women not entering our labour force? There are multiple factors. Often, women bear the burden at home. Therefore, we need to create more crèches and increase maternity leave. Currently, it is 12 weeks; the world norm is 14 weeks. We should increase it if we are to attract more women into the workforce.

¶ 06 During COVID-19, work from home was promoted; later, people were called back. If we could permit at least two days a week of remote work, more women would join the workforce. We need a framework that enables work-from-home options.

¶ 07 We should also be proud that women’s representation in Parliament is now 9.8 percent. When I served as Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government, we brought in a law mandating 25 percent women’s representation in local authorities. We proposed the same for Provincial Councils, but elections were not held. If we can draw more women into politics, it will be a great achievement. Women are 52 percent of the population, but, regrettably, many women do not vote for other women, which is a broader social issue reflected in the 9.8 percent representation here—previously under 5 percent. Increasing women’s representation in politics reduces corruption; research indicates women possess greater restraint and shame regarding corruption than men. To cleanse politics, we must bring in more women.

¶ 08 Hon. Prime Minister, after the eradication of the LTTE in 2009, 90,000 women became widows and live under difficult conditions. The Government should note this and provide them a better life through an accelerated social welfare programme. They are a silent group; much needs to be done.

¶ 09 Regarding sexual harassment at workplaces, it is a grave issue. In 2024, there were 2,785 complaints of sexual harassment in public places; 70 incidents within offices; and 289 on public transport. We should encourage offices to appoint a designated officer to handle such complaints. Victims are often afraid to report. In rape cases, victims face social stigma; all women should unite to give moral support, encourage complaints to the police and bring offenders to justice. Due to stigma and delays—sometimes 10 to 15 years—justice is undermined. In many Western countries, society empowers victims—“Go and complain; we will stand by you.”

¶ 10 A woman is the most important fabric of the family. Her contribution to society and family cannot be compared with that of a man. Today, in many families, both spouses earn.

¶ 11 In the past, however much a woman suffered, she strove to preserve the marriage. Society has changed. Enhancing women’s economic independence is crucial. We have seen many of women’s hardships arise because they lack economic strength. If we empower women, we can create economic and social transformation.