Examining the double burden : work-life challenges of women in Sri Lanka’s Kaggala export processing zone

Sammanfattning

This study explores the dual burden faced by women working as machine operators in the Koggala Export Processing (EPZ) in Sri Lanka, who balance paid employment with unpaid domestic responsibilities. Drawing on Marxist feminist theory and a work-life balance framework, the research explores how structural inequalities, workplace exploitation and patriarchal norms impact women to create a double burden which affects women’s well-being. Using a qualitative, phenomenological approach, data was gathered through online semi-structured interviews with women machine operators, their spouses, and human resource and social service officers. The findings reveal that the double burden depends on fixed and inflexible work schedules, insufficient childcare facilities, low wages and limited spousal support and social service increase the challenges faced at work in EPZs. While past literature highlights the significant gender disparities in leadership, unfair treatment and workplace exploitation, the study was not found any notable information on gender base harassment, inequalities, and discrimination within the industry. Despite some workplace welfare measures, significant policy and structural gaps persist. The study emphasizes the need for integrated reforms including flexible work arrangements, equitable labour laws for women workers in state and private sector, subsidized childcare and strengthened public-private and public- public partnerships to facilitate working women as a stakeholder approach who driven by the Sri Lankan government, CSR initiatives, private sector companies, international agencies like ILO, WORLD bank and NGOs . These changes are essential to minimize the dual burden and enhance the well-being of women machine operators in Sri Lanka´s EPZs.