Oxfam has been working with women coir workers in Sri Lanka since the Tsunami in 2004, which devastated the coir pits on which thousands of people depend for a living. Oxfam helped communities to repair the damage and earn a secure income from coir again.

This project will enable women involved in coir production in the Matara district of southern Sri Lanka to gain power in the market place. We will give women the knowledge, skills and confidence to work at higher levels in the coir industry: as entrepreneurs, business leaders, decision-makers and managers.

Project aims

As a result of this project, women will emerge as leaders – engaging in economic activity, influencing policy decisions and solving community issues such as violence against women.

• Women coir workers will acquire the skills, knowledge and opportunities to set up their own businesses in the coir sector
• We will strengthen community-based organisations and the recently established Federation of Coir Workers
• We will establish ten women’s coir co-operatives producing quality coir fibres
• We will enhance partnerships with the private sector, national non-governmental organisations and local and national government, to ensure that the project is sustainable and benefits women throughout Sri Lanka

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