While male participation in the labour market remained largely steady, dipping only slightly from 48.1 million to 48.0 million, female participation plunged more markedly – from 25.3 million in 2023 to 23.7 million in 2024.
ndia has witnessed a near doubling of its women’s employment rate between 2017-18 and 2023-24 – rising from 22 per cent to 40.3 per cent, according to recent data from the Periodic Labour Force Survey.
For many of Dhaka’s workers, avoiding the heat isn’t an option. Climate Rights International found that many workers were forced to continue their jobs in extreme conditions. Most workers interviewed had either fainted in the heat themselves or witnessed a colleague collapse on the job.
Anto Marcus, Secretary General of the Free Trade Zones and General Services Employees Union, confirmed that the company failed to consult workers as mandated by their collective agreement.
This slump is largely attributed to domestic unrest, contractionary monetary and fiscal policies, and a broader climate of uncertainty that has discouraged both foreign and domestic investment.
Sri Lanka’s history of economic instability, marked by multiple currency collapses and inflation crises, has been exacerbated by excessive monetary stimulus and fiscal mismanagement.
While a single monthly reading above 6 per cent does not constitute a formal policy failure, the persistent upward trajectory since early 2026 leaves monetary authorities with little room to manoeuvre.
The authors stress that individual knowledge alone is insufficient. Food environments – marketing, pricing, availability and access – must support healthier choices.
While a single monthly reading above 6 per cent does not constitute a formal policy failure, the persistent upward trajectory since early 2026 leaves monetary authorities with little room to manoeuvre.