Abstract:
The objectives of this paper are to (1) examine the progress made in ensuring women’s
access to university education, and specifically, to different disciplines of study (2)
analyse macro-level employment statistics as related to educational levels of males and
females, and (3) career mobility of women academics.
The methodology used is the analysis of national level statistics in the University Grants
Commission and other pertinent governmental institutions.
The study found that in Sri Lanka women’s representation in higher education had visibly
improved over the years, in all disciplines except Engineering due to the implementation
of progressive social welfare policies in education. Stereotypical societal attitudes
however, hinder their participation in non-traditional subject areas, and in utilizing
available resources, such as the library, computer facilities and co-curricular activities in
the university fully, and thereby obstruct the optimum realization of their potential to
equip them for employment. Absence of women-focused strategies for professional
development, continue to prevent women academics from achieving carrier mobility.
The study concludes that equity in outcomes rather than mere numerical access of
women to higher education should be targeted to ensure achievement of gender equity
in real terms.
