Abstract:
This study explores the underlying causes of women’s limited participation in the
gem trading sector with a special focus on the Ratnapura District of Sri Lanka.
Despite Rathnapura District’s global reputation as a hub for gem trading, the
increasing women involvement of Women in other economic sectors, their
participation in this industry remains disproportionately low. This study aims to
identify the institutional, sociocultural, and financial obstacles that prevent women
from entering in this traditionally male-dominated sector. Employing a qualitative
and exploratory research design, data were collected through in-depth, semi structured interviews with ten women working in registered lapidaries selected via
snowball sampling. Thematic analysis was used to capture the participants’ nuanced
perspectives and lived experiences. The results reveal that women's participation is
constrained by ingrained gender norms, childcare and family responsibilities, limited
mobility, insecurity, and views that gem trading is dangerous or inappropriate for
women. Furthermore, limited access to markets, business networks, financial
resources, and the absence of female role models reinforce their exclusion from
entrepreneurial roles. Institutional shortcomings such as inadequate gender-sensitive
policies, insufficient training opportunities, and weak tax protections further
exacerbate these challenges. The results highlight the necessity of targeted
interventions and policy changes to promote inclusive participation in the gem sector.
