From 1989 to 2009, AOF/WEEL quietly nurtured a movement that reshaped the lives of rural women across Sri Lanka. Supported by agencies such as USAID, ACRP, and SAWF, the initiative reached deep into communities in Kurunegala, Monaragala, Ampara, Galle, Matara, Ambalantota, and Samanthurai. Here, thousands of women were eager to learn, earn, and stand on their own—yet lacked the opportunities to do so.

The programme introduced a powerful idea: developing communities through Production Societies—women’s collectives united by shared livelihoods. These groups became safe, inspiring spaces where women organised themselves, made collective decisions, shared benefits, and supported one another’s growth.

Training was practical, hands-on, and deeply rooted in local needs. Women learned skills in agriculture, food processing, animal husbandry, horticulture, mushroom cultivation, organic fertilizer production, ornamental fish rearing, sewing, and handicrafts. Alongside these, they gained essential literacy in marketing, packaging, costing, and pricing—knowledge that helped transform simple home-based work into sustainable enterprises.

Over 5,000 women emerged from this 20-year journey not just with new skills, but with stronger voices, confidence, and networks. For many families, the programme became the turning point that unlocked steady income, dignity, and a future built on the strength of women working together.