Women’s Empowerment and Livelihood’s Programme
Empowering women to increase their economic status and independence improves family livelihoods as well as strengthening family values. Supporting and strengthening women’s empowerment and livelihoods in low income and vulnerable communities is a particular objective for Sanmarga Trust.
An example is Sanmarga’s Women’s Empowerment and Livelihood’s Programme in the Redemeedialla Division in the Badulla District in south central Sri Lanka in collaboration with FRIENDS. The initial phase of the programme is being undertaken in the Kudalunaka Village with a group of 40 women from low income farming families who are being given micro loans to develop income generating activities. The following case studies are typical illustrations of the programme and its outcomes. The programme is being extended to the nearby Kuralewela Village with co-funding from the Eva Reckitt Trust.
Kudalunaka Women’s group
The cooperative society for the women’s group set up as a community-based organisation underpins the programme.
Nayana Kumari at her dress-making shop
Nayana Kumari is an enthusiastic participant in the programme and the Treasurer for the society. The interest-free loan from the Sanmarga programme has enabled her to grow her dress-making business from home.
