Health Coordinator Jansi Rani distributing credit assistance to Ms. Sarojamary for sea weed program.
In February of this year, Rockflower funded a pilot project to support the economic empowerment of deserted women living in coastal villages in India's southern state of Tamil Nadu. The fundraising campaign was part of Rockflower's partnership with the Society for Participatory Research and Integrated Training (SPRIT), which focuses on creating sustainable economic development for female headed families after the loss of a spouse or desertion.
The campaign raised sufficient funding to implement an economic empowerment program in Tamil Nadu's Palakudi Village. Women will receive business training and credit assistance to generate income in economic activities available in the local area.
According to Raja Samson, Executive Director of SPRIT, 28 women have participated thus far with nine widows and five separated women receiving credit assistance to set up small businesses in sea weed cultivation and collection, fish vending, and the sale of dry fish.
Mr Samson extended his "heartfelt thanks to Rockflower and everyone who contributed to the campaign."
Rockflower and SPRIT will continue working together in the coming months to extend the program to other villages in Tamil Nadu's coastal area.
The photos below are of women participating in the pilot project from initiation and enrollment to credit assistance distribution.
