Women’s Rights Then and Now: Bridging the Gap Between Public Policy and Gender Equality

SOCIAL

Women’s Rights Then and Now: Bridging the Gap Between Public Policy and Gender Equality

17 JAN 2025

An insightful exploration of the evolution of women’s rights in Sri Lanka, highlighting the role of public policy and grassroots advocacy in advancing gender equality.

Sepali Kottegoda at the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on the Beijing+30 Review in November 2024. (PC: UN Women/Ploy Phutpheng)

On the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the global rallying call #ForAllWomenandGirls underscores the urgency of making gender equality a tangible reality. At the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on the Beijing+30 Review in November 2024, Sepali Kottegoda, D.Phil, founder and Director of Programmes on Gender and Political Economy at Sri Lanka’s Women and Media Collective, emphasized the transformative potential of public policy in advancing gender equality.

The 1995 Beijing Conference marked a watershed moment for the women’s rights movement in Sri Lanka. Sixty women representing various NGOs, coordinated by the Women and Media Collective, attended this historic event. For many, it was their first exposure to a global dialogue on shared struggles, providing a profound sense of solidarity. “The experience was transformative,” Sepali recalled, highlighting the collective realization that gender inequality transcends borders and cultures. Thirty years later, the impact of that moment continues to resonate.

Over the past four decades, the Women and Media Collective has been at the forefront of gender equality advocacy in Sri Lanka. From protesting violence against women to challenging sexist advertising and promoting diverse identities in public discourse, the organization has been relentless. One notable initiative was its involvement in the GEAR Campaign, advocating for the formation of UN Women.

The Collective’s work has extended beyond Sri Lanka, collaborating with organizations like UN Women and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific to foster regional dialogues and promote gender equity. Their research on unpaid care work and women’s labor force participation in South Asia remains a cornerstone of their advocacy.

Sepali highlighted the multifaceted nature of the gender pay gap, noting that many women are pushed into the informal sector where work is irregular and lacks social security benefits. Women’s family care responsibilities, coupled with employers’ biases, often lead to lower overall earnings for women compared to men.

“Creating employment opportunities for women is essential, but challenging entrenched social norms is equally important,” Sepali emphasized. Research underscores the necessity for childcare centers and a cultural shift to encourage men to share household responsibilities equitably.

Sri Lanka’s recent economic crisis has exacerbated challenges for women, particularly in terms of nutrition and caregiving. Women often bear the brunt of food scarcity, prioritizing their families’ needs over their own. Rising living costs have further strained their ability to provide quality care, compounding the issue of poverty.

“As a country, we must consider whether public policy is formulated to make gender equality a reality,” Sepali stated. She critiqued the inequitable distribution of financial aid and the reliance on indirect taxation, which disproportionately affects low-income households. Declining investment in public services has further deepened inequalities.

Policies must prioritize quality public services, such as the national health service, which serves as a lifeline for a significant portion of the population. Data from the Time Use Survey conducted by Sri Lanka’s Department of Census and Statistics underscores the unequal distribution of unpaid domestic work, offering critical insights for policy reform. Addressing these gaps is vital to achieving the commitments outlined in Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality.

Despite the challenges, Sepali finds hope in the emerging voices of younger generations who are challenging oppressive norms. “They are no longer accepting the status quo,” she observed. Women-focused NGOs and grassroots movements have amplified these voices, fostering a culture of positive engagement and resilience.

Sepali’s message to advocates of gender equality is clear: “Stay informed, listen, and engage with your communities. Recognize the social norms that hinder progress and work collectively to create change.” While the journey toward equality is far from over, the commitment of individuals and organizations alike offers a beacon of hope for the future.

The journey toward gender equality demands collective action. As Sepali aptly put it, “We are all on this journey together.” The Beijing Declaration’s vision remains a powerful guide, inspiring nations to design policies that prioritize equity and inclusivity for all women and girls.