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Mrs Kala bashing coconut husks against the ground to loosen strands as part of coir production.

Coir production is the key income-generation activity for many women in the Jaffna D.S. Region as husks from coconuts are soaked to produce ropes and brooms. However, displacement from their homes and restricted access to the sea – so vital in coir production – is making this traditional practice difficult.

This problem was discussed with Sewalanka staff from the Women’s Empowerment Project Unit, Colombo, and the Jaffna District Office during a visit in March. The purpose of the visit was to discuss the upcoming Women’s Empowerment Project to be implemented in their village.

An assisted family with shelter in Maligai Village.

Difficulties as a result of displacement mean that women must now travel longer distances to retrieve coconuts – with access to soaking coconuts strictly denied in many areas.

Local women asked for Sewalanka’s assistance to expand the products range made from coir production and to learn news skills in alternative income generation activities that ensures they are not dependant on coir production.