The factors affecting Female Labour Force Participation Rate in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Female participation in the labour force has an impact on society and the economy. Despite the fact that women contribute to a little more than the men population of Sri Lanka, the female labour force participation rate (FLFPR) has consistently lagged behind that of men over the past two decades. Since 1960 the presence of females’ participation in the labour force has been a persistent issue. This paper aims to look at the variables influencing FLFPR in Sri Lanka. For the period 1990 to 2020, statistics on all pertinent variables were compiled from World Bank data, UNESCO Institution for Statistics, World Development Indicators, Department of Census and Statistics of Sri Lanka. To achieve the objectives, descriptive statistics and regression analysis were performed. The study revealed that while GDP per capita and female youth employment has a significant negative influence on female workforce engagement rates, they also enhance women's propensity to stay at home. Meanwhile, female literacy rate, adult female mortality rate, fertility rate, and old age dependency ratio have positive significant impacts. It would be better to economically and holistically empower women by fostering an atmosphere that affords them the freedom and opportunities to carry out respectable, lawful activities.