Electoral system, social dynamics prevent Lankan women from politics: IPS

Lankan women continue to face barriers to political participation because of the country's electoral system and other social dynamics, an Institute of Policy Studies article said, quoting International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) research.

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"The research shows that women running for office face multiple obstacles because of voting systems, funding shortages, media restrictions and violence against women in elections (VAWE)," Thaviksha Bulathsinhala, wrote during his recent internship at IPS.

In 2017, Sri Lanka implemented gender quotas to enure increased representation, but it failed "to achieve complete transformation of political representation" the author said.

"Systemic reforms need to replace quotas in order to establish enduring changes. Women leaders who hold political positions need proper training, support systems, and recognition to maintain their leadership positions. Political parties need to establish gender-sensitive practices which include open nomination processes, mentoring systems, and harassment prevention measures."

The full blog article is reproduced below:

When Women Lead, Nations Change: Sri Lanka's Unfinished Journey

"I am the first to enter politics from here, and my brothers and sisters will undoubtedly follow," said Ambika Samuel, the first Malayaha woman elected to Sri Lanka's parliament. With not an ounce of political lineage behind her, the daughter of plantation worker parents, paved her way up through determination and social activism. She faced a myriad of challenges from language barriers to social marginalisation, yet proved that women's political leadership can be achieved, through dedication, vision, and a deep commitment to service. Is Ambika's success an exceptional rare breakthrough or is it one of the many journeys every woman takes to become a leader of her own? I will explore our answer to this question with the anecdotes of similar rebels, and the literature published by various organisations that have given power for the women's voice to be heard in the political network of Sri Lanka.