A Study on Economic and Social Success Of Women Machinists: The Case Study of Garment Factories In Katunayake Free Trade Zone, Sri Lanka.

Abstract

Sri Lanka has several Free Trade Zones (FTZ), which contain different manufacturing operations including garment factories. Though the garment industry contributes heavily to earning foreign currency for the economy society has a mindset that the women in garment factories come from rural villages with an intention to achieve success in their lives but end up with an unsuccessful life. Though the perception is that it may not be true. Thus, this research addresses the issue “Have the women machinists in garment factories in Katunayake FTZ have achieved economic and social success in life?” The study taken seven women machinists who have worked more than one year in the Katunayake FTZ are as the sample and semi structured interviews have been used as the data collection technique. Accordingly, the study found the following. Most importantly, with their stable monthly income women workers have experienced economic independence and autonomy in making decisions within the family. Thus, they have utilized their earnings to ensure wellbeing of their families, especially children as well as of the parents. Further, they have experienced social mobility as they have been warmly welcomed by the villagers on their return to home which they did not experience before being employed. With the above findings it can be concluded that women machinists have achieved economic and social success in their lives as a result of being employed in garment factories in FTZ’s.