Amid soaring living costs and dwindling job opportunities, Sri Lanka’s ongoing economic crisis has forced many women into desperate measures to survive. Reports indicate that thousands of women, particularly housewives, have turned to online prostitution, highlighting a grave societal issue that demands immediate intervention.
The crisis, exacerbated by the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, has left many women unemployed, especially those previously working in garment factories and similar industries. While Sri Lanka is no longer officially bankrupt, economic instability persists, leaving vulnerable populations struggling to cope with rising expenses and limited income opportunities.
According to National Women’s Unity, an NGO supporting women, nearly 40,000 housewives have turned to online prostitution since 2022. The organization’s president, Hasni Silva, explained that this trend reflects the absence of viable employment alternatives for women.
In addition to online prostitution, some women have sought work in spas and wellness centers. The number of such establishments has surged to 10,000 since 2019, but only 6,000 are registered with the Health Ministry. Charges for services at these centers reportedly range between Rs. 3,000 and Rs. 10,000 per hour.
The Vicious Cycle of Debt and Exploitation
Many women also rely on microfinance loans to sustain their families, as access to state bank loans remains challenging. Silva revealed that of the 2.8 million individuals who have taken microfinance loans, 2.4 million are women. Tragically, mounting debts have led to suicides among women unable to repay their loans, while others have faced sexual exploitation by loan officials.
Silva emphasized the urgency of empowering women through self-employment initiatives and robust support systems. She held both the current and previous governments accountable for the economic collapse and its devastating impact on women.
Call for Immediate Action
This alarming situation underscores the need for government intervention to stabilize the economy and create sustainable livelihood opportunities. Policies that promote women’s empowerment and ensure financial security are critical to breaking the cycle of exploitation and poverty.
The plight of Sri Lankan women amid the ongoing crisis is a stark reminder of the broader socio-economic challenges facing the nation, necessitating urgent, targeted solutions.
