Let the Women Decide Their Destiny

Overview

Let the Women Decide Their Destiny is an EU-funded initiative led by SLCDF and its partners to empower marginalized women particularly female sex workers, deserted women, and single women and their children across six districts in Sri Lanka.

Through skills development, livelihood opportunities, legal and psychosocial support, and collective advocacy, the project helps women overcome the socio-economic crisis while reclaiming their socio-political rights.

Why This Makes a Difference

Marginalized women in Sri Lanka face systemic discrimination, poverty, and exclusion from decision-making spaces. The ongoing socio-economic crisis has further pushed them into vulnerability, often trapping them in exploitative systems such as predatory microfinance schemes.

This project ensures that women not only gain the tools to support themselves and their families but also build the collective power needed to claim their rights and shape their futures.

Impact That Counts (By 2027)

• Women Empowered: 9,000 Female Sex Workers, Deserted and Single Women supported across six districts

• Livelihoods Created: 1,000 women trained in entrepreneurship and supported to start sustainable businesses

•  Legal & Psychosocial Assistance: 200 women provided with direct support to escape exploitative systems

• Child Support: 3,500 children given access to better nutrition and education

• Collective Voice: 40 district-level CSOs and 125 peer educators mobilized for advocacy with policymakers

Ultimately, the project envisions a future where marginalized women are no longer silenced or sidelined but empowered to shape their own destinies and contribute to building resilient communities in Sri Lanka. Children across six districts in Sri Lanka.

Through skills development, livelihood opportunities, legal and psychosocial support, and collective advocacy, the project helps women overcome the socio-economic crisis while reclaiming their socio-political rights.