Tucked away in the lush hills of Aranayaka in Sri Lanka’s Kegalle District, 60 women, from 06 rural villages (many from historically marginalized communities) are working together not just to grow food, but to grow strength, resilience, and a sense of community. Through a climate resilience initiative supported by UNFPA Sri Lanka and led by the Community Development Centre (CDC), these women are leading the charge in restoring the environment, improving family nutrition, and creating safe, inclusive spaces for learning and leadership.

Planting Seeds of Empowerment

This project supported through UNFPA's Climate and Social Cohesion Grant in partnership with the Government of Japan and implemented by the Alliance Development Trust (ADT) together with CDC, had a clear purpose. To improve the quality of life for women in six villages by promoting sustainable agriculture, environmental conservation, and community wellbeing. But from the outset, it did more than just training participants to grow food. 

These women became equal partners in the development process. They were not just beneficiaries, but leaders who were deeply involved in decision-making, planning, and implementation.

Through tailored training and peer learning, each woman learned how to cultivate toxins-free home gardens, conserve water and soil, and reintroduce traditional crops like indigenous yams. They also received hands-on guidance to set up 60 household farms, 06 model home gardens, and 03 demonstration gardens in local schools, bringing environmental education directly to over 1,500 students.

Among other projects supported by UNFPA through its Climate and Social Cohesion Grant, includes:

• Soba Kantha - a plastic recycling initiative
• Vikalpani - promoting indigenous seed farming
• GAFSO - beach cleanups and tree planting drives
• Star Mushroom - pioneering mycelium-based eco packaging

Climate Action Close to Home

For many women, the project marked the first time they had received formal training in environmentally friendly practices. Before this, few understood the impact of soil erosion, water contamination, or the nutritional importance of homegrown vegetables.

But now, the gardens around their homes are flourishing. These plots not only help reduce household expenses and improve diets but also inspire neighboring families to follow suit. Rainwater harvesting, composting, and organic farming are becoming community norms in the area.

Beyond the Garden Fence: Shifting Gender Norms

Environmental change wasn’t the only transformation. The project created ripple effects in how women saw themselves, and how they were seen by others.

Women and girls reported feeling more respected in their homes and villages. Many said they felt safer, more confident, and more aware of their rights. A few even began organizing community events, speaking publicly, and leading collective clean-up efforts. Gender-based violence linked to factors like alcohol abuse reportedly decreased during the project period.

Lessons from the Land

Despite heavy rains and a short implementation window, the project exceeded its goals and left behind a strong foundation for future work. When women are given knowledge, support, and opportunity, they thrive. And when they thrive, they uplift entire communities. Environmentally friendly initiatives become a path not only to sustainability, but to equality.

The CDC’s capacity has also grown with increased membership from new villages, expanded relationships with government and civil society partners, and six up and coming women entrepreneurs now exploring value-added food products from their harvests. The work in Aranayaka shows that even a modest investment can spark major transformation when rooted in community, guided by equity, and led by women.

Read our Annual Report 2024 for more stories of inclusive change in Sri Lanka.