An Illumination of the Christian Gospel of Luke to Promote the Dignity of Women in the Apparel Industry of Sri Lanka

Abstract

This research study seeks to demonstrate that the illumination of the Gospel of Luke can be utilised to promote the dignity of the women workers in today’s garment industry in Sri Lanka. The formulation of investment zones became a prominent economic development policy in Sri Lanka in 1977. In addition to these invest- ment zones, garment factories were opened at the divisional level, where small and medium-scale garment factories were founded in various Divisional Secretariats throughout the island. Such institutions are also common in the Katana Division- al Secretariat, where women workers from the Katana Divisional Secretariat and other rural areas continue to be attracted to these organizations in large numbers. Accordingly, the main objective of this study is to comparatively examine the sense of dignity that Jesus granted to women in his contemporary Jewish society, and the dignity of the present-day female workers in the garment industry of Sri Lanka. For the purpose of the study, a sample of forty female workers employed in the garment factories within the Katana Divisional Secretariat were selected under the random sampling method. Preliminary data and information were obtained from this sample by distributing questionnaires, conducting interviews and using other observational methods. The data and information obtained were then analysed and presented by utilising descriptive statistical tools. Hence, this study endeavours to explore the manner in which Jesus’ efforts as a true humanitarian noble leader to reform the religious, political, social and cultural structures of his contemporary Jewish society can be likewise applied to promote and secure the dignity of women workers in the garment industry of Sri Lanka.