Study on the Influence of Pessimistic Cultural Bondages that Affect the Career Perspectives of Rural Women

Abstract

It is assumable that the entire nation in Sri Lanka can prosper and thrive when both genders have equal opportunities and power. Greater gender equality also enhances economic efficiency, increased income and competitive productivity in the economy. Studies revealed that out of 57 % of the female population only 34.7 % of women actively participate in the economy. By tradition, the rural women accredited the man-made behavioral role as their destiny. The focal object of this study is to examine the impact of prevailing social bondages and to analyze how such elements influence rural women and their career perspectives. Geographically, this research is focused on 3 rural districts namely, Kurunegala, Monaragala and Anuradhapura. In total, 600 informants in both categories of employed and unemployed were randomly selected. Data was collected through adeptly conducted focused group discussions, interviews, questionnaires, proceeded with relevant case studies and observations. SPSS version 21 was used for data analysis. The results obtained in concern with family bondages and their marriages revealed that women are deprived due to the abstained rights for decision making within their family settings. It is anomalous to address above factors as an optimistic mechanism, having established a National Committee for Controlling Gender Based Discrimination (NCCGBD). Thereupon, a revised policy framework should be formulated for empowering rural women while raising awareness on discriminative elements that are blended with conventional social beliefs. Improving positive socio-cultural customs as best practices to ensure asserted women’s rights, harmonious marriages, congruent family settings and progressive career perspectives are key elements to be adopted.