Over 400 young women from vulnerable communities in Jaffna and Kilinochchi are being empowered with entrepreneurial skills under a unique initiative undertaken by Sarvodaya and RYTHM Foundation.

The objective of the partnership is to enable the potential entrepreneurs to overcome poverty and build sustainable livelihoods.

RYTHM Foundation, the social impact arm of the QI Group, focuses its efforts in the areas of education for all, gender equality and sustainable community development, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations (UN). 

Headquartered in Hong Kong, the foundation operates in several countries to make a difference around the world, which includes a strong presence in Sri Lanka. 

“I believe it should be a second nature for humanity to reach out and help those who are in need, weak or vulnerable. When we have the capacity and resources to uplift struggling communities, we must do everything in our power to do so. It is our duty as citizens of the world. 

“I am particularly grateful to be able to give back to the nation that raised and nourished me in my youth with the work that we have been doing through RYTHM Foundation,” said RYTHM Foundation Chairperson, Umayal Eswaran.

The current project with one of RYTHM’s earliest on-the-ground partners, Sarvodaya, kicked off in 2019 and will reach completion this year despite challenges from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Under the women empowerment project courses in tailoring, beauty culture, mobile repairing, motor mechanics, craft, baking, cake decorating, food processing and many more are offered to young women from economically challenged circumstances.

It also addresses a lack of access to markets, technology and financial resources and provides training in leadership, entrepreneurship and small business management skills including workshops on engaging with microfinance institutions and banks. 

Since 2018 RYTHM Foundation has collaborated with various local organisations around the country to facilitate sustainable development in underserved communities. This includes creating employment opportunities through a social enterprise project in the northern province, as well as promoting the social inclusion of persons with special needs in the Kandy district.