Sweet dreams are made of sugar and spice
The economic integration of women from the heart of the conflict-affected Northern Province in Sri Lanka is paying rich dividends. Not only have new and improved trades increased family incomes of mostly female-headed households in the local community, but expanding revenue streams have created a wealth of social capital.
The ILO’s EMPOWER project with the support of the UN Peace Building Fund has partnered with a group of women in Puthuykkudiyiruppu, their efforts not only tackling poverty but also resulting in the social empowerment of women, their households and the community.
Lalitha Suthakaran from Mullaitivu district says, ‘‘Ever since I became a member of the Puthukudiyiruppu Women Entrepreneurs’ Cooperative Society, I have had easier access to funds needed for improving my business. Previously, I made a few different types of sweets but only sold it to my immediate neighbours. Though my products had a good demand, it never occurred to me to do this on a bigger scale.’’
‘‘Not having resources to expand my business was a discouragement and never did I think that I would be able to overcome this financial obstacle.’’
‘‘After joining the society, I grasped the basics of managing finances and being cost-efficient. I pooled money to buy my raw material ingredients in bulk, and in this way was able to save on the unit price. With time, I was able to build savings and buy machinery through a loan from the society,’’ Lalitha added.
This improved her productivity and sales increased, she says. “Once I established myself a bit more, I was able to construct separate premises for my factory. With a bigger set-up, I was able to employ other women from the community, and also offer jobs to people with disabilities.”
‘‘After one year, I bought a van to help market my products. I now sell even in distant places such as Jaffna district where the market is bigger. My husband helps with this. On the return journey, he buys more raw material that I can sell to similar businesses, at a small profit,” she adds proudly.
It is a win-win situation, she believes. “ I save on fuel for transport, while also helping others in the community to buy in bulk and thereby set them on their way to prosperity too.’’
The women of the tiny village in Puthukudiyiruppu do not just see Lalitha as a successful entrepreneur and owner of the flourishing Sri Priya Industry. They look up to her as a shining star—a role model showing what dedication and hard work can do for family, children and the community.