Livelihood support for Woman Headed Families

Name of Project: Livelihood support for Woman Headed Families
Name of Programme: Livelihood Project for women Headed Families
Source of Fund: PALM Netherlands
DS Division: Manmunai North
GN Divisions: Punnaicholai,Mamangam,Karuvapankeny ,Amirthacali,Puthunagar
Main Activity: Providing career equipment to women headed households to improve their livelihood activities
Proposed Start Date: 1st of August 2023
Proposed End Date: 31st of January 2024 (06 Months Project)

With the approval of Manmunai North Divisional Secretariat, the villages of Amirthakali, Punnaicholai, Mamangam ,Karuvapangeni and Puthunagar were selected for this project. These villages were affected by the tsunami. The total number of families in the Amrithakali GN division is 829. Males 1151, females 1282 ;

The total number of families in Punnaicholai GN Division is 764. Males 1556, Females 1191; The total number of families in Mamangam GN Division is 637. Males 1997, Females 963 ; And the total number of families in Karupangeni GN Division is 1083. Males 1835, females 1908. People live here

The main occupation of the people in these villages is fishing. Some are self-employed and a significant number are government employees.
In the first phase, a total of 45 beneficiaries will be selected from poor women-headed families such as Punnaicholai – 13, Mamangam – 11, Karupangeni – 18, Amritkakali – 1 and Puthunagar – 2 and their needs will be identified for their self-employment development and equipment for their self-employment development will be provided on an interest-free loan basis. Further monitoring will also be carried out.

Objectives

45 women-headed households from Punnaicholai, Mamangam, Karuvapankeny, Amirthacali, and Puthunagar villages will be involved in self-employment initiatives. Their living standards will be improved, and their capacity will be enhanced through skill development programs.

Outcome of Project
  • Families would achieve self-sufficiency in economic income.
  • They could have three meals satisfactorily.
  • They are capable of managing income and expenses promptly.
  • They take a keen interest in and care for their children’s educational development.
  • They could develop a habit of saving.
  • Other family members fully support the head of the family in self-employment motivation.
  • Incidents of family violence will decrease.
  • They would attain characteristics of self-confidence and self-determination.
  • They could develop leadership skills.
  • They will be respected by society and attain a good status within it.
01 Story - Chilli powder & Vegetable Business

Pradeepa is separated from her husband and lives with her son. Initially, she ran a business grinding chili powder and selling sherbet during the summer months. She is known for her ability to choose the right profession for the season, understanding the intricacies of the business, and adapting accordingly. During the rainy season, she stopped selling sherbet and instead began selling chili powder and vegetables to complement the nearby chicken shop.
Pradeepa expressed satisfaction with her current business, stating, “Now I am earning enough from this business. I used to run a small business before.” She happily credited PALM Foundation’s Livelihood Project for not only providing her with materials for her self-employment venture but also for offering awareness and guidance on how to run a successful business