The participation of women in economic activities in 1996 has shown an upward trend when compared with the census figure of 1981. The main source of income in the district is derived from agriculture, fisheries and industries. The total population in 1997 is 466,830. About 9,879 persons are employed in industries according to the survey conducted by the Statistical Unit of Kachcheri, Jaffna. The number of families engaged in agriculture and fisheries sectors in the year 1997 is 40,881 and 8,035 respectively.
Fisheries is one of the most affected sectors.
Thousands of families involved in fishing were displaced. Fishermen who are actively involved in this venture have accounted to 8,871. Further 606 graduates are also in the same plight. The dropouts from schools are estimated to 5,000 annually. The others with lower educational qualifications will form the target group to be absorbed in the agriculture, fisheries and industrial sectors.