When Lakshmi, a single mother of two from Kandy, walked into the Joseph’s Foundation training center for the Empower Her program, she was unsure of what to expect. She had never owned a sewing machine, and crafting was something she had only admired from afar. But she was determined to create a better future for her children.
Over the course of three months, Lakshmi learned how to transform discarded textiles into stylish, eco-friendly tote bags. She mastered stitching techniques, color coordination, and even basic marketing skills. With support from our trainers, she started selling her bags on the SheCreates e-commerce platform and at weekend markets.
Today, Lakshmi earns a steady income and has plans to hire another woman from her community to help meet growing demand. Her story is just one example of how Empower Her transforms not only individual lives but entire families and neighborhoods.
“Now I can pay my children’s school fees without worrying every month. I also feel proud that I’m helping the environment,” Lakshmi says with a smile.