In Kayts, Jaffna, 34-year-old Ajanda prepares for the arrival of her fourth child. Her journey through motherhood has been one of resilience and hardship. Her husband, a fisherman, once relied on his trade to support the family, but climate change and economic downturns have stripped them of their earnings.
Without proper fishing equipment, he has been supporting other fishermen through labour to make ends meet. The fishing nets they do own are now restricted by regulations, leaving them with no stable source of income.
With each passing day, Ajanda worries about how she will manage the upcoming delivery. The weight of uncertainty bears down on her, but she finds solace in the support she receives.
The UNFPA maternity kit has been a lifeline, providing her with the essential items she needs for a safe birth.
“This kit is a blessing,”
Ajanda says, her voice filled with relief.
“We have lost so much, but knowing I have these supplies to help with my delivery gives me strength.”
As Ajanda prepares for yet another chapter in her motherhood journey, she does so with a renewed sense of hope. For women like her and Virudara, small acts of kindness and support create ripples of change, ensuring that no mother has to face childbirth alone.