|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Saturday, 24 April 2004 |
 |
|
 |
News | |
| News Business Features Editorial Security Politics World Letters Sports Obituaries
|
by Nadira Gunatilleke The Women's Empowerment and Social Welfare Ministry will pay special attention to ensure the safety and welfare of Sri Lankan housemaids employed abroad and rural women. Women will be empowered to compete with men in all fields, Women's Empowerment and Social Welfare Minister Sumedha G. Jayasena told the Daily News yesterday. Explaining her future plans she said that discussions have already started with Labour Minister Athauda Seneviratna to seek solutions for the problems faced by housemaids. The Labour Ministry will directly assist the Women's Empowerment and Social Welfare Ministry to find solutions to the problems of housemaids. A proper training will be given to them before departure through special training centres set up at district level. Arrangements will also be made to look after the children of female migrant workers. "We would like to stop women leaving for foreign employment but it is not practical. Therefore we looked for other solutions that can minimise their problems, especially harassments", she added. The Minister said that at present housemaids face numerous problems especially sexual harassment, abuse, non-violence, non payment of salaries etc. No action has been taken to solve their problems. Lack of training and the language barrier are two main reasons that caused most of those problems. Several social problems have also occurred in Sri Lanka due to mothers leaving families for employment abroad. Such problems will also be addressed. Counselling will be another main subject that will be attended by the ministry. "Counselling is very important when it comes to empowering women. They need counselling in order to face problems with courage. Therefore special arrangements will be made to strengthen this service", she added. Minister Jayasena stressed the importance of ensuring the safety and welfare of elders, disabled persons and children which comes under the purview of her ministry. |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
Produced by Lake House |
