Empowering War Widowed Women in Sri Lanka

by World Vision Lanka
Empowering War Widowed Women in Sri Lanka

Project Report | Nov 7, 2019
Empowering War Widowed Women - Case Study

By Anushka Samaraweera | NRD Coordinator

MALARVILY – A SUCCESS STORY

Forty-six year old Malarvily, a budding entrepreneur, lives in Kiran, Batticaloa. Losing her husband during the war, Malarvily has been living with her mother since the war ended. In addition to caring for her elderly mother, Malarvily also supports her sister’s family by contributing towards the expenses of the two children.

To support her family, Malarvily had started to make and sell items using recycled cardboard and other materials. However with the lack of proper training, and a space to work, she was limited in how much income she was able to generate and struggled to provide make ends meet.

Through this project, Malarvily was selected to be a recipient of livelihood training and support. As a person with a disability, that requires her to use support / a crutch to walk, Malarvily was at first cautious about attending livelihood development training and mentoring.

She explained, “Because of my disability I was hesitant to participate in the training. However, due to the mentoring and assistance I received, I gained the courage to participate in the training. I realized I was not alone and there are many who are like me, with disabilities but actively participating. After attending this training I started believing in myself and now am able look at myself differently and positively. This gave me lot of strength and courage to look forward to my future.”

With the support received through the Global Giving Women Empowerment project, World Vision was able to ensure Malarvily received the right training opportunities to enhance her skills. She was trained in coconut shell crafting, and supported to purchase the required machinery, to expand the range of items that she is able to make for sale. Malarvily was further supported to construct a shed for her to carry out her business.

Malarvily has already put her training into practice and started her own business. Using the training she received, she has started to make baskets, vases, jewelry boxes, and file covers for sale. A very quick learner, she has already committed herself to sharing the knowledge she gained with other women.

“I have already started receiving orders from government officials, especially from the Divisional Secretariat. I’m also happy to say that my business is contributing towards the betterment of the environment. I’m very grateful for having been identified for this Women’s Empowerment project and for the people who came forward to support me. There are many vulnerable women in our community who have disabilities and who have no support in terms of income. I wish this project would continue to identify these women and provide the same kind of support which was given to me.”


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Organization Information

World Vision Lanka

Location: Colombo 09 - Sri Lanka
Website:
Facebook: Facebook Page
World Vision Lanka
Anushka Samaraweera
Project Leader:
Anushka Samaraweera
Colombo 09 , Sri Lanka

Funded Project!

Combined with other sources of funding, this project raised enough money to fund the outlined activities and is no longer accepting donations.
   

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