Geographic determinants of women’s economic participation: A comparative study of Dematagoda and Aswedduma Grama Niladhari Divisions, Sri Lanka

Abstract

The study “Geographic Determinants of Women’s Economic Participation: A comparative study of road distribution, mobile network coverage, and land use in Dematagoda and Aswedduma Grama Niladhari Divisions" examines comparatively how the mentioned factors contribute to the differences in women’s economic empowerment between urban and rural settings in Sri Lanka. The data collected through structured questionnaires were processed using Python to measure variables of empowerment, such as income, employment, autonomy, and financial access. The study employed the concept of a comparative case study. The Average Dissimilarity Index (ADI) was applied to calculate inequality, which resulted in a score of 0.9, indicating a significant disparity. ArcGIS was used to analyse road distribution and land use patterns. Ookla was employed to measure internet speed, which contributed to the high inequality value. In addition, qualitative insights were gathered via semi-structured interviews. According to the findings, the better infrastructure in Dematagoda enabled women to engage in economic activities and scored highly on all variables (income, employment, autonomy, and financial access). In contrast, women of Aswedduma are marginalised in economic engagement, with an average monthly income of Rs. 48,833 compared to Rs. 73,269 in Dematagoda, mainly due to poor road distribution, weak mobile connectivity, and unsupportive land use patterns. The study proposed a GIS-based digital infrastructure enhancement plan for the Ipalogama Divisional Secretariat Division to reduce disparities in mobile network coverage. In addition, it recommended establishing a web platform called “CraftHer” to connect rural women with mentorship opportunities and access to markets. The study, which was built on feminist geography perspectives and Kabeer’s (1999) empowerment paradigm, concludes that mentioning sustainable women’s economic empowerment should address both spatial and technical exclusions while strengthening capacity-building initiatives.