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Women-led
CBO Federation leading the way in Southern coir sector development
The “Women-led CBO Federation”, which brings together
49 Community Based Organisations (CBO) is providing the technical
and institutional support necessary for coir sector development
in the South.
The Southern coir industry, which is composed of more than
98% women, suffered a significant set back in 2004, when the
tsunami destroyed coir producing units (beach coir pits, lagoon
coir pits and coir mills) and equipment (mainly manual coir
yarn spinning machines). The revival of this industry was
made a priority in the post tsunami development plans of several
government and non-governmental organisations. Based on the
recommendations of Oxfam Great Britain (GB), which has been
actively involved with the rehabilitation of this sector,
205 Self-help Groups (SHG) came together to form registered
CBOs, and eventually, the “Women-led CBO Federation”.
The Women-led CBO Federation was inaugurated on the 29th of
July in Matara, under the auspices of the governor of the
South, Ms. Kumari Balasooriya. The Federation actively promotes
and supports female coir workers as the owners and managers
of the assets, resources and processes of this industry.
By providing technical, administrative and financial guidance,
the Federation enables the continued capacity building of
this industry. The Federation has increased access to improved
production techniques, high quality raw materials and more
lucrative markets for coir workers.
Through the development of effective CBOs and a Federation,
these women have been awarded greater power in the market,
and are lobbying for recognition of the coir industry by government
as an cottage industry in the south.
Oxfam GB’s coir sector development programme was initiated
in five Divisional Secretariat Divisions in the Southern district,
as part of the organisations post tsunami development programme.
Over the last couple of years, Oxfam GB has helped coir workers
identify and build links with agencies involved with the industry,
so that they have increase accessibility to markets and training
programmes.
These opportunities have allowed for the development of entrepreneurial
and leadership skills. Evaluation of the Oxfam GB’s coir
sector development programme has shown that it has helped
more than 3,400 families.
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