Asking the Woman Question of Constitutions: Insights from Sri Lanka

What do we learn when ask ‘the woman question’ of constitutions the Global South? Constitutions worldwide are increasingly subject gender analysis, which rests on ‘asking to uncover gendered implications seemingly neutral constitutional provisions. But can analysis account for all forms inequality in kinds constitutions? In this article, place three lines inquiry conversation responding these questions: feminist method asking question, dominant approaches and perspective(s) from South. doing so, develop a way understand how South their design operation, ways that perhaps distinctive. We use Sri Lanka as case study show question Lanka’s Constitution requires us revise some fundamental assumptions about engage with laws, institutions practices close constitution, but not usually considered within remit. argue needs move beyond focus text better address inequalities societal institutions, such family, relating labour, religious military. describe ‘proximate institutions’, by mean because role governance exclusion subordination women it. propose identification proximate methodology calibrates issues context critical fully understanding nature constitutions, beyond.