අනං මනං Pola: Creating Economic Opportunities for Rural Women
Through Anang Manang Pola, we sought to challenge these limitations by providing rural women with an opportunity to sell their products directly to consumers. The market was intended to be more than a place for buying and selling goods. It was also an inclusive space where women's solidarity.
The economic empowerment of rural women is not simply about providing them with opportunities to earn an income. It also involves creating an environment in which they can receive fair value for their labour, make independent economic decisions, and build dignified lives within society. With this objective in mind, Sisterhood organised a weekly market called “Anang Manang Pola” in the Gin Thota area.
Many rural women engage in home gardening, sewing, knitting, and various other small-scale home-based businesses. However, finding suitable markets to sell their products is not always easy. Despite their skills, creativity, and hard work, they often have limited access to market opportunities and the networks necessary to turn their efforts into economic value.
Women, in particular, spend a considerable amount of time and energy fulfilling household responsibilities and caring for their families. As a result, establishing independent sources of income can be challenging. When opportunities to sell their products are unavailable, the skills, talents, and entrepreneurial potential of many women remain confined to their homes.
Through Anang Manang Pola, we sought to challenge these limitations by providing rural women with an opportunity to sell their products directly to consumers. The market was intended to be more than a place for buying and selling goods. It was also an inclusive space where women's skills could be recognised, their products valued, and meaningful connections established among women and within the wider community.
At Sisterhood, we believe that the economic empowerment of women should not be treated as an act of charity, but as a fundamental right. Women should have the opportunity to benefit from the fruits of their labour, make decisions about their own income, and achieve economic independence.
Anang Manang Pola represents one practical step towards this goal. Our aim is to connect the products, skills, and entrepreneurial potential of rural women with the wider community while creating sustainable opportunities for their economic independence.
Sisterhood remains committed to building a society where women's labour is valued, their abilities are recognised, and economic freedom becomes a reality in their lives.
