Rebuilding Resilience and Financial Empowerment
Krithika’s Story: A Debt That Holds Her Back
When Krithika’s father fell ill, she had no choice but to take out a loan to cover medical expenses. The loan came at an unbearable cost—120% interest. Four years later, she’s still struggling to repay it, and her family remains trapped in a cycle of poverty.
For families like Krithika’s, living on the edge means one crisis can push them to the bottom. In rural areas like Mullaithivu, far from banks and ATMs, saving money and accessing fair credit is nearly impossible. Without support, women like Krithika face overwhelming barriers to stability and growth.
A Solution Rooted in the Past: Rebuilding Yugaskathi
Before the war, Mullaithivu was home to a system called Yugaskathi, a collective effort that provided women with financial and social support. But like so much else, it was lost during the conflict. This program is helping to rebuild what was lost, creating a structure that supports women like Krithika to stand together, save together, and grow together.
How Village Savings Banks Transform Lives
A village savings bank is more than a financial system—it’s a lifeline. It creates a safe, accessible place for women to save and take out loans when needed, relying on their own collective strength.
The Impact of Our Program:
- Building Trust Through Groups:
The foundation of a successful savings bank is trust. We help establish small groups with strong social bonds, creating a supportive environment where members can save together and access loans when needed. - Financial Literacy and Strong Practices:
Women are trained in financial literacy and best practices for managing savings and loans. This ensures funds are used responsibly and loans are repaid, creating a reliable system for everyone involved. - Turning Loans Into Opportunities:
With targeted business training, women can use loans for more than emergencies. They learn how to invest in income-generating activities that create lasting stability for their families. - Building Leadership and Problem-Solving Skills:
The program goes beyond finances, helping women develop skills in leadership and problem-solving. Together, they grow stronger and more confident in addressing challenges.
A Structure That Scales and Sustains
The program creates a layered system that empowers women at every level:
- Group Level: Small groups of women build trust, save together, and access loans.
- Cluster Level: Once there are 150 members, clusters are formed to provide governance and address collective challenges.
- Federation Level: With over 1,000 women, federations form to amplify their collective voice, break down systemic barriers, and drive long-term change.
Each layer plays a critical role in supporting women as they move toward stability and growth, ensuring no one is left behind.
Why This Matters
In places like Mullaithivu, rebuilding systems like Yugaskathi isn’t just about money—it’s about resilience. It’s about creating a safety net that women can rely on, a structure that empowers them to face challenges, grow their incomes, and stand together against barriers.
For women like Krithika, it’s the difference between surviving and thriving.
Your Support Can Rebuild Lives
Your donation will:
- Help establish village savings banks to support women in Mullaithivu.
- Provide financial literacy and business training to empower women.
- Rebuild a system that creates resilience and opportunity for generations.
Together, We Can Rebuild Resilience
Every contribution helps rebuild what was lost, giving women like Krithika the tools and support they need to rise.
Donate today and be part of this transformative journey. Help us rebuild Yugaskathi and create a stronger future for the women of Mullaithivu.