Women’s Empowerment Programme

Since 2009, our Women’s Empowerment Programme has provided disadvantaged women who have little to no formal education with an opportunity to build a sustainable livelihood. In our training centres in Killinochchi and Erlalai, we empower women to discover and develop their talents through intensive training led by expert instructors from the State Department of Skills and Vocational Training (Sri Lanka). Upon successful completion, participants receive an accredited certificate and can either join established industries like garment manufacturing or start their own businesses.

The recent economic crisis has exacerbated poverty in Sri Lanka, disproportionately affecting women. Unemployment, increased household burdens, and heightened vulnerability to violence have pushed millions into poverty. According to the United Nations, women are “particularly affected by job cuts, loss of livelihoods, increased responsibilities in all spheres of their lives, and an increased risk of societal and domestic violence.”. Our programme is a lifeline for these women.

By supporting our work, you can help us reach more women and create a brighter future for their families. Your contribution will enable us to expand our training to more women, providing them with the skills and confidence to achieve financial independence.

Our six-month courses run twice a year, from January to June and July to December. Each year, we train approximately 500 women in:

Dressmaking,
Costume jewellery-making,
Embroidery,
Cake decorating,
Beauty culture.

If you are interested in supporting the Women’s Empowerment Programme, visit our Get Involved page to find out how you can donate.

Our Impact

70 Percent Success Rate

A remarkable 70% of our students achieve financial independence. 30% have successfully launched their own businesses, while 40% have secured employment in related industries.

Financially Independent Women

Women who completed a course have been able to earn an income. This has enabled them to be financially independent and even support their families.

Promote Good Mental Health & Wellbeing

Our courses help women identify and nurture their talents. Therefore, they enjoy their work and what they create, giving them a sense of pride and dignity.

UN Sustainable Development Goals

No Poverty

Empower women to become primary or supplementary income earners for their families, contributing to overall poverty reduction.

Good health & Wellbeing

Enhance mental health through engagement in arts-based courses. Promote financial independence to mitigate domestic abuse and improve access to essential needs like food and healthcare.

Quality Education

Deliver high-quality, accredited training from certified instructors to equip women with the skills necessary for successful entrepreneurship or employment.

Gender Equality

Promote gender equality by providing women with economic empowerment and financial stability.

Testimonials

I come from a very poor family that couldn't afford to send me to any vocational courses. But then I found Serendip, an organisation that provided me free training to learn how to make natural hair care oil. Through their Hair & Beauty course, I gained all the skills and knowledge I needed to start producing and selling my own line of hair care oils. Before Serendip, I never thought I could turn this into a way to earn a living. But with their help, I was able to develop a skill and start my own small business. I'm so grateful to Serendip for giving me this opportunity, which has completely transformed my life. Now I can support myself and my family..

- Narmatha- Hair & Beauty

As a single mother caring for my 11-year-old autistic son, finding stable employment was a constant struggle until I discovered Serendip's vocational training programs. Through their 6-month jwellery making course, Serendip equipped me with the skills to craft beautiful, high-quality jewellery pieces that I can now generate at least 1,000 rupees (£3) per day. The ability to work from home has been life-changing, allowing me to care for my son while also generating a steady income to support our family.

- Shanthini- Jewellery Making

For years I felt trapped, unable to contribute financially to my family. But then I learned about Serendip's free vocational programme in Aari work (embroidery), a cultural craft I was eager to master. Now, as I near course completion, I'm excited to put my newfound expertise to use by starting my own Aari business. And to my delight, Serendip has offered to support me in this situation by helping buy the necessary raw materials. I'm deeply thankful of Serendip's commitment to empowering women from underprivileged backgrounds like myself. This opportunity has truly transformed my prospects and filled me with a sense of purpose and pride.