Driving Economic Empowerment: Internet Penetration Surges to 66% in Sri Lanka, Unleashing Opportunities for Women in the Workforce
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Sri Lanka has witnessed a remarkable surge in internet penetration, catapulting from 30% in 2022 to an impressive 66%. This revelation comes from Michelle Joseph, Program Manager at World University Services of Canada, during an event organized by Uber that unveiled a report on mobility. The surge in internet accessibility is poised to have a transformative impact on female workforce participation in Colombo.
Michelle Joseph emphasized the potential of this increase in internet penetration to boost female workforce participation by over 8% by 2028 in Colombo. With a particular focus on the role of ride-hailing services, she noted that over 50,000 more women could join the workforce in Colombo, resulting in a significant economic upswing of over 3% for the city.
Kaushalya Gunaratne, Country Lead – Rides, Uber Sri Lanka, highlighted the pivotal role of women's increased participation in the workforce in realizing Sri Lanka's economic potential. The research conducted by Oxford Economics, in collaboration with Uber, sheds light on how safe and reliable commuting options, facilitated by ride-hailing services, can break down barriers for women, enabling them to enter the workforce and advance in their careers.
Lead Economist at Oxford Economics, Bali Kaur Sodhi, emphasized that women globally still lag behind men in paid work, often due to the burden of household and care responsibilities. The research report not only provides evidence-based policy recommendations but also underscores the adoption of technology as a means to remove mobility barriers for women, facilitating their entry into the workforce and career progression.
The report also draws insights from a survey conducted on-ground in Sri Lanka, revealing that women in the country have lower labor force participation rates compared to their global counterparts. With a female labor force participation rate of just 32% in Sri Lanka, addressing challenges such as a lack of access to safe transport and work-family imbalances emerges as crucial for enhancing women's mobility and economic empowerment.
As Sri Lanka embraces the digital era with increased internet penetration, the intersection of technology and ride-hailing services emerges as a catalyst for unleashing the untapped potential of women in the workforce, contributing to both individual empowerment and economic growth.
In conclusion, the surge in internet penetration in Sri Lanka, reaching an impressive 66%, marks a pivotal moment in the nation's digital evolution. The transformative impact of this technological leap extends to the workforce, particularly for women, as highlighted in a report released by Uber and Oxford Economics. The potential to increase female workforce participation by over 8% in Colombo by 2028 is a promising prospect, fueled by the accessibility provided through ride-hailing services.
The collaborative research not only underscores the economic opportunities unleashed by increased internet access but also emphasizes the role of technology in dismantling barriers for women entering the workforce. The insights gleaned from the survey conducted on-ground in Sri Lanka shed light on the unique challenges faced by women in the country, including a lack of safe transport and imbalances in work-family arrangements.
As Sri Lanka navigates this digital era, the fusion of technology and ride-hailing services emerges as a catalyst for economic empowerment, individual growth, and a more inclusive workforce. The findings provide a compelling case for the adoption of policies that leverage technology to overcome mobility barriers, ultimately fostering a more equitable and prosperous future for women in the workforce.