Page 65 - Peoples_Journal_Sri_Lanka

55
ISSN 3121-3049
People's Journal Sri Lanka Volume 01, Issue 01

political engagement, especially in underprivileged and rural South Asian
areas.

02. Political Awareness & Civic Knowledge

It can be clearly observed that the political awareness and civic knowledge of
women in estate communities is at a minimum level, influenced by socio-
economic, socio-cultural, and immigrant backgrounds. The language barriers
are also an important factor in reducing their political awareness, and their
lack of direct access to political messages, media, and government structures
constructed in the main languages of the state limits their ability to make
decisions for themselves. Furthermore, the political participation of estate
women is also low due to social norms and family influence, meaning that
their voting or political decision-making is not based on their own intentions,
but often depends on the opinions and decisions of the men in the family.
Women‘s political behavior is often limited to the household income
administration and the household roles assigned to them in society, which
poses a serious obstacle to the broader development of their political
knowledge and understanding. In this situation, the political awareness and
civic knowledge of estate women is entirely dependent on their social
background, language habits, educational opportunities, and family-related
influences, which keep their political participation low and limit their
activities in society.

03. Gender Norms & Cultural Expectations

Estate women live in extremely patriarchal environments were upholding
traditional norms. These norms are strengthened by cultural and religious
traditions. In particular, women participating in a Hindu temple (Kovil) were
committed to the values of female modesty, Obedience, and household
responsibility.
These conventions make it seem improper or unnecessary for women to
participate in politics, particularly when it comes to public actions like
attending political meetings or expressing political views. As a result, estate
women are frequently discouraged from engaging in political discourse and
moving beyond their home responsibilities, further solidifying their marginal
status in society. A sense of internalized constraint is caused by the stigma