EMPOWER: Building peace through the economic empowerment of women in Northern Sri Lanka

The objective of this project is to increase access to economic empowerment, social integration, resilience and peacebuilding participation for conflict affected women in Mullaitivu, one of the most conflict-affected Northern Districts of Sri Lanka. The project is funded by the UN Peace Building Fund and implemented by the ILO, WFP, and Puthukkudiyiruppu Women Entrepreneurs’ Cooperative Society.

Target Beneficiaries:

Conflict-affected, vulnerable women in Mullalitivu District

Project Objectives:

  • Increase economic participation of conflict-affected women by enhancing their access to new market opportunities, resources and information that have opened as a result of a more peaceful environment
  • Enhance the voice and representation of conflict-affected women in peacebuilding through increased social status

Main Activities:

  • Develop analytical, social networking and business strategy skills
  • Improve social and business language skills
  • Improve business start-up management
  • Improving peace awareness and skills
  • Strengthening, supporting actions to maintain peace