THE ROLE OF GENDER IN REPRESENTATION, PARITY AND HIERARCHIES IN THE DEMOCRACY OF THE VILLAGE-BASED FORMAL ORGANIZATIONS

Abstract

This case study has been conducted to explore the trends in gender representation in the leadership positions of four formal organizations in two villages located in two districts in Sri Lanka, and to find the reasons for such trends. According to the results, frequently females are only selected for the secretary position because of their ability to maintain written reports and their inability to perform so called ‘masculine duties related to other positions.Female leaders have been influenced by the male leaders indirectly in decision making. Also, the matured and educated female officers were respected by the other members while young female officers who have settled in the village recently have been frequently challenged by males. In conclusion, even though neither the gender equality is empowered nor gender discrimination is encouraged by the constitutions, the gender norms, unawareness, and lack of skills have created inequalities and hierarchies in representation and parity in the democracy of these village-based formal organizations.