Returning to Work After Childbirth in Sri Lanka: Workplace Challenges Faced by Mothers Across Public, Private, and Semi-Government Sectors

Abstract

Global patterns and trends in female labour force participation indicate that women face various barriers to labour force participation due to gender inequalities and socially constructed gender roles. In the Sri Lankan context, variations in maternity protection provisions across different employment sectors have resulted in women employed in the public, private, and semi-government sectors encountering diverse challenges when returning to work after childbirth. The primary objective of this study was to identify the workplace-related challenges experienced by women during the transitional period of returning to employment after childbirth. A qualitative research approach had been used. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 10 female employees from each of six selected institutions (two institutions each from the public, private, and semi-government sectors), resulting in a total of 30 participants. In addition, four institutional heads were interviewed to gain broader organizational perspectives. The findings revealed several key themes related to the challenges faced by women upon returning to work after childbirth. These included the impact of changes in job roles and responsibilities, challenges affecting work performance and productivity, the level of support received from colleagues and the organization, the influence of maternity leave on career progression and professional goals, and overall job satisfaction. The study concludes that the challenges encountered by women during their return to work after childbirth require greater attention in both organizational practices and public policy development. Strengthening institutional support mechanisms and improving maternity protection policies are essential to facilitate women's successful reintegration into the workforce and to promote gender equality in employment.