The event was attended by the Assistant District Secretary of Gampaha, the Divisional Secretary of Katana, the Medical Officer of Health – Seeduwa, officers from the Women and Child Division of the Awariwatta Police, the Gampaha District NGO Coordinator, Grama Niladhari officers, Early Childhood Development Officers, Social Service Officers, and hostel owners.
During the forum, participants raised and discussed several critical issues faced by female workers in the Katunayake Free Trade Zone, including, Lack of a living wage, Insecurity of employment, Absence of an adequate social protection system, Lack of respect and recognition for female workers, Restrictions on freedom of association, Limited facilities to exercise the right to vote, Negative impacts of new labor laws on workers, Shortage of daycare centers.
As the next step, RED is committed to bringing these concerns to the attention of decision-makers and the government, with the aim of securing meaningful interventions that protect and empower Free Trade Zone workers.
