Foreign jobs for mothers with children under five taboo

Ban to ensure family unity :

by Lalin Fernandopulle

The decision taken by the Cabinet to ban women from going abroad for employment having children below five years of age will be enforced with a proper mechanism said Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau (SLFEB) General Manager, H. Batagoda.

He said "the Cabinet had taken this decision to ensure the safety and welfare of children and promote family unity which has been adversely affected due to the mother's absence.

Most children left unattended by mothers who have gone abroad say that they prefer to have their mother more than money and other material comforts. The child who died due to hunger following the death of his father in Anuradhapura is a good message to all mothers who value money more than their children, Batagoda said.

He said the ban will be enforced only on necessity and not on all mothers leaving for overseas employment.

The safety and welfare of the children and the family needs will be taken into consideration in granting permission for mothers to go overseas.

The ban was introduced to prevent mothers going abroad leaving their children unattended who at times fall prey to cruel adults to be victimised.

Child rights movements say that the fundamental rights of children are not adequately addressed in the country and as a result they have become victims of social evils.

Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Employment Promotion, Upali Dahanayake said the decision taken by the Cabinet was a good move to ensure family welfare and the rights of children.

Social and family welfare organisations are in favour of the decision taken by the government to prevent mothers from going abroad leaving their children unattended which could lead to the breakdown of family unity.

The Ministry of Children and Empowerment of Women initiated the move due to several requests from various sections of society to ensure the safety of children.

Human Rights Movements on the contrary say that the ban is a gender discrimination and a violation of the fundamental rights of women as women's rights are enshrined in the constitution.

Immediate Past Chairperson Women's Chamber of Commerce Rizanie Aziz said the ban on mothers' going abroad is a shortsighted decision which has been taken without proper consultation.

The question that needs to be raised is why only enforce a ban on mothers having children below five without considering children above that age group. Haphazard and unforeseen decisions will not last long, she said.

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