Sri Lanka Faces Leadership Crisis as Women Leaders Are Absent in Presidential Election

Sri Lanka's Presidential Election: A Missed Opportunity for Women Leaders

Sri Lanka's upcoming presidential election on September 21 reveals a glaring absence of women leaders, as none of the 38 nominees are women. Despite women making up 52% of the voting population, they remain severely underrepresented in political decision-making. Since the introduction of universal franchise in 1931, women's representation in parliament has never exceeded 7%, currently standing at a mere 5.3%. Efforts to address this inequity, such as the 2016 quota system of 25% for lawmakers, have proven insufficient. Women leaders like Harini Amarasuriya emphasize that quotas alone can't ensure meaningful change. A cultural shift is necessary to encourage women's involvement in leadership roles.

The Challenges Women Face in Political Representation

• Patriarchal structures within political parties hinder women's participation.
• Only one woman holds a cabinet position in the current government.
• Women often are relegated to secondary roles within their parties.

Samudra Jayalath, a grassroots organizer, notes that women must often have political connections to succeed. Meanwhile, the election’s frontrunners have varying commitments to enhance women's roles in politics. The urgent need for change is paramount if Sri Lanka is to foster an inclusive political environment.