The Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC) is committed to fostering workplace environments free from Gender-Based Violence and Harassment (GBVH), enabling women to prosper and contribute significantly. In recent years, WCIC, in collaboration with the Centre for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), has conducted extensive research to understand the challenges faced by professional women and women entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka.
According to Project Chair Tusitha Kumarakulasingam, WCIC is dedicated to advancing meaningful actions to address these issues. Despite GBVH being recognized on many organizational agendas, the study discovered a lack of formal and effective measures to tackle the problem.
Guided by the initiative “Break the Bias for a Better Tomorrow: Promote and Invest in a Decent Workplace for Women – Ratify ILO Convention 190,” WCIC aims to pave the way for a brighter future. Although both men and women encounter GBVH, women disproportionately experience it. Until now, there has been limited documentation to gauge the scope of the issue. The survey conducted by Kantar Sri Lanka for WCIC seeks to fill this knowledge gap, educating women about GBVH and empowering them with information on how to respond to such incidents.
The survey uncovered significant gaps and challenges faced by working women in Sri Lanka concerning GBVH. Awareness of harassment remains limited, with many women not fully understanding that such behavior is an offense or recognizing the full range of actions that constitute harassment. Awareness was highest regarding bullying, followed by discrimination and sexual or physical harassment. Women across all sectors reported incidents of GBVH, with bullying being the most common. Women entrepreneurs reported higher levels of sexual and physical harassment compared to their professional counterparts. While some respondents knew they could file complaints through human resources, confidence in fair resolution was low. A majority lacked awareness of existing laws, legal procedures, or support organizations, with 80% of those experiencing GBVH taking no action due to fear of career repercussions, victim-blaming, and disbelief. Although some organizations have policies in place, they are often not implemented effectively.
The “cost of GBVH” in Sri Lanka refers to its extensive social and economic impact rather than a specific monetary value. Research indicates that GBVH imposes a significant burden on individuals, businesses, and the national economy through direct and indirect costs.
Key insights highlight that GBVH carries substantial economic and social costs at local and global levels. A 2022 International Finance Corporation (IFC) study of nine companies in Sri Lanka estimated that workplace violence and harassment resulted in the loss of approximately six working days per employee annually, costing at least USD 1.7 million. The Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka (FPA Sri Lanka), in conjunction with the World Bank, is also evaluating the costs of providing GBV response services through healthcare facilities, including Mithuru Piyasa centers. Beyond direct costs, GBVH undermines productivity through absenteeism and presenteeism, increases staff turnover, and generates additional healthcare and legal expenses, along with intangible costs such as pain, trauma, and loss of dignity. On a broader scale, the United Nations estimated in 2016 that violence against women accounts for about 2% of global GDP—approximately USD 1.5 trillion—underscoring its significant economic impact.
To systematically and sustainably address these issues, the ratification of ILO Convention 190 (C190) is deemed crucial. Many organizations, including WCIC, have advocated for its ratification, but progress remains slow. Government facilitation, along with the commitment and conviction of relevant authorities, is essential to advance this agenda and ensure safe, inclusive workplaces for women.
For more information on WCIC, visit: www.wcicsl.lk
Founded in 1985 by a group of visionary entrepreneurs and professionals, the Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Sri Lanka (WCIC), aims to integrate women entrepreneurs into the mainstream business sector, enhancing their economic contribution. The organization operates on the principles of Engage, Empower, and Enrich, driven by a clear vision, mission, and strategic plan to meet its objectives.
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