A Study Based on Livelihood Aspects of Conflict Affected Women

Abstract

The three decades long ―Sri Lankan conflict‖ came to a conclusive end in May 2009, following the military defeat, the country is at its evidence of sign of relief at the post conflict era after experiencing three decades of horrible past which consist of destruction, demise and chaos. Thus, post conflict peacebuilding has emerged in various aspects, and there is the requirement to address these aspects in order to build peace and reconciliation. In this background, this research is based on the study of the livelihood of conflict affected women in Northern, Sri Lanka. Hence, the main objective of this research is to discuss the current income earning methods, their special issues of livelihood, and to recommend policy proposals to effectively address their livelihood issues of conflict affected women. The research problem of this study is to ascertain ―what kind of sustainable livelihood issues faced by the conflict affected women who live in Vavuniya District‖? Thus, this study will be a mix of qualitative and quantitative approach. The sample was selected from the conflict affected women in Vavuniya District, North Sri Lanka. Further, data is mainly collected through single households, women who are widowed and single mothers whom are above 18 years of age. Primary and secondary data was used while the quantitative data was analyzed and presented through charts and figures when necessary. It made clear that the basic needs measured by this research are sufficiently adequate despite the fact that these women lack financial and product assistance to enhance their income. The major problem identified is lack of water for their occupations since abundant water is available for their houses. When regarding the issues attributed by these women, it is important to develop women‘s entrepreneurship programmers with access to monetary funds. Empowering these women is considered as the crucial factor as classified by this study. Finally it could be concluded that the government has to solidify their concern for these single households most importantly the older women regarding their livelihood.