Tackling gender parity will add US $ 20bn to SL’s GDP: UN

• Calls for efforts to bridge gender gap
• Improved focus on tackling gender parity count boost growth trajectory by 14%
• Says assistance is extended to govt. with upcoming cooperation framework
• Points out efforts are underway to help SL realise full engagement of women in economic, political and social spheres
• Cautions men dominating in leadership roles increases risk of gender biases

As Sri Lanka charts ambitious plans to take its economy to the next level, the United Nations this week called on for more emphasis on bridging the gender gap.

Sri Lanka has the potential to add US $ 20 million to its GDP, if efforts are taken to address gender parity, the United Nations (UN) in Sri Lanka said.

UN Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka Hanaa Singer-Hamdy pointed out that with improved efforts in this regard, the island nation has the potential to increase its economic growth trajectory by about 14 percent.
The UN in Sri Lanka is currently using its upcoming Cooperation Framework to work with the government and people of Sri Lanka to help achieve gender parity and realise the full engagement of women in the economic, political and social spheres. 

“By breaking the biases that hinder women from fully participating in formal places of power – we can ensure positive outcomes for all of society,” she said.

Hamdy made her comments while addressing a panel discussion that focused on unpacking gender biases within formal places of power and influence in Sri Lanka. The event brought to light the political and economic spheres, in the context of broader ground-level analysis.

The panel comprised of National Planning Department Additional Director General Shiranthi Rathnayake, Unilever Sri Lanka Chairperson Hajar Alafifi, Brandix Group Chief People Officer Ishan Dantanarayana and National Forum Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Co-Chair Gowthaman Balachandran.

While women are well-represented in public administration in many countries, including Sri Lanka, studies have found that they are significantly outnumbered by men in leadership and decision-making positions. This impacts decisions and policies, which are at risk of gender biases, including stereotyping the roles, abilities and needs of women, the UN stressed.

Girls experience gender bias and discrimination from a young age, which escalates as they grow older, affecting their full potential, autonomy and equal participation in society.

According to the UN, one of the main reasons for this disparity is the perception that women cannot or should not function in these spaces.

These discriminatory biases often lead to violence against women and girls and makes them vulnerable to repression and poverty, which are often exacerbated during crises, as seen in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“Sustainable development is only possible in a gender-equal world. Women and girls are essential, effective and powerful leaders and change-makers. Without their leadership, knowledge and participation in all spheres of life, it is unlikely that solutions for a sustainable planet and a gender-equal world tomorrow will be realised,” the agency asserted.

The UN reiterated that its agencies together with the UN Global Compact Network, Sri Lanka remain committed to taking the insights of this discussion forward in realising a world where women’s rights are upheld and ultimately break the bias for a sustainable tomorrow.