Since the end of Sri Lanka’s war, the region of Batticaloa has faced immense challenges. Many households are led by women, as the war left countless families without their primary breadwinners. These women, though resilient, often face barriers such as limited access to financial resources, sustainable livelihoods, and social support.

We, the Tamil Women Development Forum (TWDF), are raising funds to support two transformative initiatives that aim to empower these women in Batticaloa. TWDF is a project fostered by the Centre for Community Development (CCD), advocating for Tamil-speaking women of Ilankai origin to achieve equality in global policy while supporting their families and communities.

For years, TWDF has been dedicated to empowering Tamil-speaking women both in the UK and Sri Lanka through meaningful programmes and advocacy. Our work encompasses research, campaigns, community-based services, and partnerships with women’s organisations to address critical issues such as gender equality, peace, health, education, economic empowerment, and social justice in Ilankai and beyond. In addition to our international efforts, TWDF is actively involved in empowering women locally in the UK. Last year, we hosted the prestigious Sudari Awards, celebrating the achievements of Tamil women and highlighting the importance of recognising and supporting their contributions.

Through initiatives like the Sudari Awards and our grassroots programmes in Sri Lanka, TWDF has built a strong foundation for advocacy and empowerment. Our ongoing work reflects our unwavering commitment to creating spaces where Tamil-speaking women can thrive, lead, and drive positive change in their communities.

THE BATTICALOA INITIATIVES

In Batticaloa, we are focusing on two key projects to uplift women and their families. The first being the Care Economy Project and the second being Community Capacity Building.

A core component of the Care Economy Project is its microfinancing programme, which provides small loans to women to start or expand their own businesses. This initiative is designed to help women in Batticaloa achieve financial independence, support their families, and contribute to the economic development of their communities.

Why Microfinancing?

In Batticaloa, many women, particularly those heading households, face significant barriers to accessing traditional financial services. Banks and lending institutions often require collateral or a strong credit history—resources that most women in this region lack due to the long-term impacts of conflict and displacement. Microfinancing offers a solution by providing low-interest, collateral-free loans specifically tailored to their needs.

How It Works

The microfinancing programme is structured to ensure accessibility, support, and sustainability:

- Loans are tailored to meet the needs of women starting small-scale businesses, such as tailoring, food production, or local trade. These loans provide the initial capital needed to purchase supplies, equipment, or raw materials.

- Alongside financial support, the programme includes training workshops on financial literacy and entrepreneurship. Women learn to manage their finances, create budgets, and develop sustainable business plans.

- The loans are distributed through women’s groups, which serve as a peer network for guidance and accountability. This collective approach not only helps women succeed but also fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility.

- The repayment terms are flexible and designed to accommodate the challenges faced by the women. Repayments are structured to align with the growth of their businesses, ensuring that the loans are not a financial burden.

First, it enables them to provide for their families. The income generated from small businesses funded by these loans helps women cover essential needs such as food, education, and healthcare, improving the overall quality of life for their households. Second, it builds confidence and skills. Running a business allows women to develop self-reliance and practical skills like budgeting, decision-making, and problem-solving, which they can also apply in other aspects of their lives.

Most importantly, microfinancing helps to break the cycle of poverty. By creating sustainable livelihoods, these women not only secure their own futures but also contribute to the economic stability of their communities. The ripple effect of these efforts extends far beyond individual households, fostering long-term development and resilience in Batticaloa. This programme is a critical step in enabling women to achieve financial independence and take on leadership roles within their communities, ensuring a brighter future for all.

The Community Capacity Building initiative is a key part of our efforts to empower women in Batticaloa by addressing the systemic barriers that have held them back for years. One of the primary focuses of this initiative is to help women overcome challenges related to documentation, such as the lack of birth certificates and other essential legal records. These missing documents often prevent families from accessing education, healthcare, government benefits, and justice. To tackle this, the initiative will work directly with women, educating them about their rights and the importance of proper documentation for themselves and their families. Women will also receive practical guidance and support in obtaining these documents, including connections to legal aid and government offices. Beyond individual assistance, the programme will empower women to collectively advocate for systemic changes, making it easier for displaced and marginalised families to secure the documentation they need.

However, this initiative goes far beyond addressing documentation challenges. The women’s groups formed through this programme will also focus on building leadership skills, enabling women to become active voices in their communities. These groups will act as vital support networks, where members can come together to discuss and address shared issues such as gender-based violence, inequality, and economic struggles. In addition, the groups will develop collaborative solutions to local challenges, such as poverty and unemployment, working closely with community leaders to drive meaningful change.

Through the Community Capacity Building initiative, we aim to create a lasting impact by addressing both the economic and social barriers faced by women in Batticaloa. By empowering women to take charge of their lives and their communities, this initiative will help build a foundation for sustainable growth and resilience in the region.

Through these projects, we aim to create a lasting impact by addressing both the economic and social barriers faced by women in Batticaloa.

Empowering Women and Youth in the UK

In addition to our work in Batticaloa, TWDF is running workshops, events, and classes in the UK. These initiatives focus on empowering both youth and women by allowing for authentic leadership, collaboration, and confidence.

For young people, we will provide opportunities to develop essential life and leadership skills, allowing them to be prepared and ready for whatever they want to do. For women, our programmes focus on creating safe, supportive spaces to share experiences, build networks, and develop skills that enhance both their personal and professional lives. These initiatives are designed to promote cohesion, empowerment, and a sense of community and not fall under the trap of victimhood.

Why This Matters

Both initiatives focus on creating lasting change by empowering women and youth to take control of their futures. In Batticaloa, these projects address the lack of financial opportunities and social support for women. In the UK, the focus is on enhancing leadership and cohesion among young people and women, ensuring that they have the tools to thrive in their personal and professional lives.

Join Us in Making a Difference

While £15,000 is our ultimate goal, every contribution brings us closer to making a meaningful difference. Each pound raised will go directly towards empowering women in Batticaloa and supporting youth and women in the UK. Your support could enable a woman in Batticaloa to start her own business, help a child secure their birth certificate to access education, or create spaces in the UK where women and youth can learn and grow.

This ambitious target allows us to dream big, ensuring we can provide sustainable support for these communities while addressing critical issues such as financial independence, documentation challenges, leadership development, and community cohesion.

By contributing to this campaign, you’ll help us continue this important work, meeting the needs of women in Batticaloa and reinforcing our broader mission of empowerment and equality for Tamil-speaking women everywhere. Together, we can create ripples of change and build a brighter, more equitable future.

Thank you for your kindness and generosity,

TWDF