Abstract:
The garment industry, which plays a major contribution to the Sri Lankan
economy, is a very famous sector in many parts of Sri Lanka, and many
women are finding career opportunities in the sector. Therefore, this research
on women workers involved in the garment industry is necessary. Thus, the
main objective of this study is to identify the socio-economic status of women
employees engaging in the garment manufacturing industry in Dharga Town.
To achieve this objective, it has sub-objectives such as identifying the social
status of women employees involved in the garment manufacturing industry,
identifying the economic status, and identifying the challenges they face. For
this study, 150 women employees were selected as a sample using the yeoman
method among 241 women employees employed in three selected factories in
Dharga town. Further, this study is based on primary data. Accordingly, data
has been collected through structured questionnaires and discussions. These
data were analyzed descriptively and with a multiple regression model using
SPSS data software. As far as the social status of women employees is
concerned, they are between 18 and 70 years of age, and most of them have
completed an ordinary level of education. They are seen to have an improved
quality of living standard and social status due to engaging in this industry.
Also, factors such as working experience and education level have, over time,
a significant impact on the income of women employees. And as far as
economic status is concerned, fewer of them are servers and more of them are
borrowers. Also, they face professional, physical, and social challenges.
Therefore, this study suggests that the government and employee welfare
associations can provide opportunities for employees to improve their
socioeconomic status by providing them with effective work support.
