3. COMMON CONSTRAINTS/CHALLENGES ENCOUNTERED BY WOMEN ENGAGED IN INFORMAL EMPLOYMENT SECTOR – GENERAL OBSERVATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS Women engaged in informal economic sector had the opportunity to air their views on problems and challenges encountered by them and their achievements at the Round Table Discussions organized by the Head Office and Regional Offices of Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, parallel to the International Women’s Day -2017. It is observed that following conclusions could be made after reviewing all those presentations made at the discussions. a) A severe problem encountered by women in every field and very province is the non-availability of marketing facilities. It was emphasized that gender has been a factor in minimizing marketing opportunities and facing difficulties in bargaining for prices. Further, importation of goods similar in nature to those produced in informal economic sector has become a barrier in maintaining the local market. b) Problems encountered by the women in obtaining loan facilities from banks and various other financial institutions has also curtailed the improvement of production. Even though numerous credit schemes have been introduced by the state, women are deprived of benefits due to non-compilation of these schemes in an easily accessible manner as far as women are concerned. Conditions imposed in the process do not seem to be compatible with the living realities of women. In the agricultural sector, land entitlement documentation is considered by the banks as one of the prime security deposits, yet these loans are not granted to women in most cases since the lands offered as security is in their husbands’ name. In various other informal economic fields, most of the women are not in possession of properties to be offered as security deposits to obtain loans. Elderly women are unable to obtain loans due to their old age. Ignorance in proper credit management systems is commonly evident among the women. Further, adhoc micro finance companies, operating in rural areas have mercilessly and severely trapped the women in need of financial assistance. c) Another problem faced by women entrepreneurs is the non-distribution of resources in the rural areas in a proper manner. Further, due to political interference, in most cases, most - deserving persons have not been given resources and concessionary grants. d) According to the views expressed at most of the regional offices, women in selfemployment have to bear heavy expenses to acquire raw materials required for 26 26