Rising Through Resilience

Nayana Kumari’s story 

A story of strength and transformation—how Nayana Kumari overcame hardship through innovation and support, turning challenges into opportunities for a better future.

Beneficiary Name: R.A. Madhumali Nayana Kumari

Location: Maharachchimulla, Alawwa

Programme: Let the Women Decide their Destiny (EU-funded)

Focus Areas: Mushroom Cultivation, Livelihood Development, Home-based Entrepreneurship, Women’s Economic Empowerment

Rising Through Resilience in Maharachchimulla

In the quiet village of Maharachchimulla in the Alawwa Divisional Secretariat, Nayana Kumari’s journey began with adversity. After being abandoned by her husband, she was left to raise her young daughter alone—shouldering both emotional and financial burdens without support.

Desperate to provide for her child, she accepted any hired work she could find. But without anyone to care for her daughter, even these jobs became a struggle. Nayana was caught in a cycle of survival.

A Turning Point: Empowered by Opportunity

Her life took a new direction when she became a beneficiary of the “Let the Women Decide their Destiny” project, supported by the European Union. Through this initiative, she received training in mushroom cultivation—an income-generating activity she could manage from home.

This opportunity was more than just economic—it offered her the flexibility to care for her child and rebuild her confidence. With remarkable determination, Nayana didn’t just grow mushrooms—she branded, packaged, and marketed them herself, supplying shops in nearby Alawwa.

Innovation and Growth from Home

Nayana’s creativity stood out. She began producing value-added items like mushroom sausages and pickles, gaining recognition within her community. Her home-based business thrived, built on discipline, savings, and a strong work ethic. For the first time, she felt financially independent and hopeful about the future.

Facing Health Challenges, Embracing Change

Just as things were improving, Nayana was diagnosed with a throat condition that made speaking difficult. Doctors warned that exposure to mushroom spores could worsen her health. Despite the setback, she refused to give up.

Using the savings from her mushroom business, Nayana pivoted. She purchased a block machine and a Juki sewing machine, launching a new garment business from home. She now takes custom orders for children’s trousers and supplies local vendors—once again proving her adaptability and resilience.

A Story of Strength and Reinvention

“The support I received through this project changed my life in ways I cannot fully express.” – Nayana

With the right support and a fierce determination, Nayana turned multiple hardships into stepping stones. Her journey from survival to self-reliance is an inspiring example of how empowered women can reshape their futures.