Celebrating women with extraordinary strength

by Michael Eddy

Women around the world are business leaders and activists, peacemakers and homemakers, mothers and daughters. In all these roles, they directly influence the direction of their families, of their communities, and even their countries.

As we mark International Women's Day, we recognise women's daily struggles and adversities, but also highlight those remarkable stories of courage, strength and determination.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has a long and proud history of supporting women worldwide to transform their lives, their families and communities. Here in Sri Lanka, I would like to honour three such individuals - Dakshani, Indira and Kalpana - who epitomise women's power, persistence and vitality in this country.

They have overcome many hardships and become stronger with the experience.Dakshani: 25-year-old Dakshani was disabled during Sri Lanka's civil war when she lost a leg. The recovery was challenging, and Dakshani was shunned by her community, unable to find meaningful work and ostracised from social activities.

Her life changed when she found work at the Sivanarul Vocational Training and Production Centre located close to her home. The Centre, with USAID assistance, produces and markets rice flour and spices and provides jobs and skills to women like Dakshani. The Centre's profit is then divided among the women to further incentivise them.

"My job at the Centre gives me an opportunity to learn, work, earn money and also find time to spend with my family. It has given me a lot of courage and I look forward to the future with hope and enthusiasm," Dakshani said. "My colleagues - all vulnerable women like me - at the Centre feel the same way."

Her economic independence now has given her the confidence to socialise with others and become more comfortable on her prosthetic leg. Dakshani values the freedom, independence, recognition and also the chance to live life to the fullest.

Kalpana: When 39-year-old Kalpana decided to expand her small, family bakery in the North, she did not imagine her bakery would play a role in Pope Francis' recent visit to Sri Lanka. For Kalpana, starting a business was not just about earning a profit, but also to create jobs, increase incomes for local workers, and improve the business environment for conflict-affected communities like her own.

There have been many challenges for this entrepreneur, including finding help to manage her growing business. Through financial and technical assistance provided by a USAID, Volunteers for Economic Growth Alliance and Land O'Lakes project, Kalpana has become one of the very few bakery owners that produce a range of quality bakery products in the northern region.

Her advanced operations allowed her to sell muffins, donuts, curry buns, and peanut cookies to thousands of faithful devotees assembled outside Our Lady of Madhu Shrine as they waited to hear Pope Francis speak. The fact that her bakery met the demands of such a massive event is proof of Kalpana's business model, her personal resolve, and her team's hard work.

"I am really happy about all the work we have done and I am definitely proud to help people in this region, especially unemployed women who can now return to work," said Kalpana. Energised by this success, Kalpana dreams of future business growth that will continue to lift up local communities.

Indira: A few years ago, Indira could not imagine how to overcome the challenges brought by a series of tragic events. She had lost her husband and other family members to the civil war, and she was displaced along with her small son and mother. Shortly after they were resettled, she lost her mother to a terminal illness and gave birth to a daughter.

To eke out a living, Indira worked long hours in a factory, sold coconuts, and did other odd jobs, leaving her children unattended. Her meager earnings were not enough to meet her family's very basic need, leaving her in deeper debt each day.

Indira still remembers the days she hid at her neighbours' houses to avoid the harassment of those who had loaned her money. Eventually, Indira fell sick and needed regular treatment. Thankfully, the village Child Protection Group intervened to help.

The Group referred her to a USAID - Save the Children program that helped women such as Indira. Indira received assistance to start a small shop and has now paid back her loans and redeemed her pawned jewellery. Indira is now able to feed, clothe and educate her children and save for their future. Her children live under her care and protection, attending preschool and enjoying their childhood.

Although Indira's small family still faces many challenges, she now feels confident in the future. "I am a young widow and I have to fight hard not to be vulnerable and fall prey to unwanted requests," she said. "I cannot express how happy I am about all the positive changes in my life and for being able to stand on my own."

She is now accepted in her community and participates in religious and social events in her village and church. For Indira and her family, a return to normal life is the most precious gift.

USAID is proud to support these efforts that have allowed these three women to transform their lives and those of their families. On this special day, we renew our commitment to helping women, the disabled, and the most vulnerable around the world. By working together, we will achieve a brighter future for them all.

USAID is the development arm of the U.S. Government. Through USAID, the American people have provided development and humanitarian assistance in developing countries worldwide for more than 50 years. Since 1956, the U.S. Government has invested more than $2 billion to benefit all Sri Lankans.

(Names have been changed to protect each woman's privacy.)

The writer is Acting Mission Director, USAID Sri Lanka and the Maldives