Abstract:
There have been marked changes in women’s lives in Sri Lanka after they are given
more opportunities for labour force participation under the context of various socio
-economic changes viz., globalization, migration, demographic change, educational
expansion and technological advances. According to the Department of Census and
Statistics (2008) the labour force participation rate for females is 33.2% in Sri Lanka. The
proportion of married females in the labour market has also grown and they are more
likely than others to face adverse job-related issues associated with child rearing and
family care.
In this study, an attempt was made to examine how different aspects of married female
employment would affect their family lives and what are the coping strategies they adopt
to make a positive work-family balance within their households. There was a limitation
attached to this particular study in which, the sample respondents comprises only with
female married paid employees. The study was undertaken with 80 married females
engaged in different occupations within Gampaha Municipal Council area. Primary data
and information were gathered using a questionnaire and by indepth interviews. The
findings reveal that work-family balance remains a critical issue for the married females
categorized under professionals than others. Although, all females value job satisfaction,
career development, family development and future aspirations, their main concern was
family obligations. The significance of partnership with the husband’s employment and his
mutual support at home are also seen as positive factors for a more balanced work-family
life for females.
