Empowering women in Sri Lanka
This latest initiative by Unilever Sri Lanka (USL) has changed these women’s lives in ways that are much more profound than the income they earn from selling products. It has brought them self-esteem, a sense of empowerment and a place in society.
The main objective of this programme is to empower Sri Lankan women to create micro-enterprises that provide them with a sustainable source of income through recommending and selling Unilever brands house to house in their own villages. Saubaghya entrepreneurs acts as direct –to- home ambassadors of Unilever brands.
Catalysing prosperity in Sri Lankan villages
Under the project, Unilever Sri Lanka offers a range of mass-market products to the Saubaghya women, which are relevant to rural customers. Necessary training is provided to these groups on the basics of enterprise management, which the women need to manage their enterprises. For the Saubaghya women, this translates into a much-needed, sustainable income contributing towards better living and prosperity.
For most of these families, Project Saubaghya is enabling families to live with dignity, with real freedom from want.
In addition to money, there is a marked change in the woman's status within the household, with a much greater say in decision-making. This results in better health and hygiene, education of the children, and an overall betterment in living standards.
Win-win partnership
The most powerful aspect about this model is that it creates a win-win partnership between Unilever Sri Lanka and the consumers, some of whom will depend on the organization for their livelihood, and builds a self-sustaining cycle of growth for all.
USL’s vision is to establish a minimum of 1000 entrepreneurs each year.
