From Struggle to Strength

Sandhaya’s Journey of Empowerment

From Nagahapathana, Sandhaya gained skills and support to start a successful home sewing business. Now financially independent, she mentors other women, inspiring resilience and leadership.

Sandhaya, a resident of Nagahapathana in Viyadiguna, Badulla, once faced significant socio-economic challenges. As the sole provider for her family—due to her husband's struggle with alcoholism—she supported her children through occasional sewing and knitting work, with minimal income and limited awareness of her rights or available resources.

In May 2021, Sandhaya joined a community-based Women’s Empowerment Initiative, where she became part of a Self-Help Group (SHG). Through this platform, she received training on gender equality, parenting, child protection, legal rights, and how to access government services. These sessions helped rebuild her confidence and gave her tools to take charge of her life.

Recognizing her skill in sewing, the programme provided her with a sewing machine, enabling her to establish a sustainable income by producing and selling handmade items such as doormats, bags, and crafts. As her income grew, she began constructing a brick-and-cement house, replacing her old clay home. She also diversified her livelihood into ornamental flower cultivation and artificial flower crafts to ensure long-term income security.

Today, Sandhaya is not only economically independent but also serves as a mentor and community leader. She shares her knowledge with other women, supporting them in areas such as entrepreneurship, skill development, and personal empowerment.

“I found my voice, and now I help others find theirs.” — Sandhaya

Her journey reflects the transformative impact of grassroots women’s empowerment efforts—where self-reliance, resilience, and leadership emerge through collective support and opportunity.