Gendered roles continue to be undervalued and underappreciated in society, creating barriers for women, said Dr. Amarasuriya.
She highlighted that, even with access to certain privileges, women often bear the ultimate responsibility of ensuring everything runs smoothly at home.
This dual burden of professional and domestic responsibilities places immense pressure on women, regardless of their class, caste, religion, or geography.
The expectation for women to balance careers with caregiving often results in stress, burnout, and limited opportunities for career advancement.
Dr. Amarasuriya pointed out that this labor remains largely invisible in the economy, compounded by a lack of affordable childcare, flexible work options, and societal norms framing women as primary caregivers.
She called for systemic reforms, including targeted policies and workplace changes, to create an equitable environment where women can fully participate and contribute to the economy.
