Projects

The Strengthening Inclusive Governance, Civic Engagement and Sustainable Development Outcomes by Transforming Societal Norms and Empowering Women Leaders and CSOs project is designed to strengthen inclusive governance systems and promote sustainable development outcomes by addressing the structural, institutional, and socio-cultural barriers that limit women’s meaningful participation in political and civic life. Implemented in Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province, the initiative focuses on empowering women leaders and civil society organisations while fostering an enabling environment for participatory and accountable local governance.

The project responds to deeply rooted gender inequalities and power imbalances that continue to marginalise women, particularly those from economically disadvantaged and socially excluded communities. While the introduction of a 25% quota for women in local government has increased numerical representation, many women elected to local authorities remain excluded from decision-making processes, often operating within male-dominated political structures that restrict their influence and leadership.

At the same time, the broader governance landscape is shaped by shrinking civic space, ethnic polarisation, and entrenched patronage-based political systems, further limiting opportunities for inclusive participation. Women leaders frequently face additional challenges such as limited access to resources, a lack of technical knowledge, social stigma, and domestic responsibilities, which hinder their engagement in public life.

Recognising these intersecting challenges, the project adopts a holistic approach that goes beyond representation to build leadership capacity, strengthen institutions, and transform harmful social norms. It promotes collective action, enhances collaboration between civil society and local authorities, and supports communities to actively engage in planning and decision-making processes.

In addition, the project addresses emerging socio-economic vulnerabilities exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting women leaders and communities to develop gender-responsive solutions to economic hardship and public health challenges. Through this integrated approach, the project contributes to building more inclusive, resilient, and accountable local governance systems.

This programme enhanced women’s participation and leadership in governance and public decision-making at local and national levels.

Implemented by Chrysalis with support from BMZ (Germany), the project aimed to institutionalize women’s leadership in governance systems.

This long-term initiative strengthens food security, agriculture, nutrition, and SME recovery among vulnerable communities.

This initiative strengthened MSMEs to recover from economic shocks and disasters through financial and enterprise support.

This project developed a comprehensive training package on Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE), addressing key challenges such as workplace harassment, exploitation, and financial independence.

Implemented by Chrysalis with support from UN Women, the project aimed to provide practical tools and skills to strengthen women’s economic participation and empowerment.

This phase continued the empowerment of tea plantation communities, building on the success of Phase I to strengthen livelihoods, workplace cohesion, and community development.

Implemented by Chrysalis with support from CARE UK and Twinnings, the project aimed to enhance economic opportunities and social inclusion within plantation communities.

The Strengthening Inclusive Governance, Civic Engagement and Sustainable Development Outcomes by Transforming Societal Norms and Empowering Women Leaders and CSOs project is designed to strengthen inclusive governance systems and promote sustainable development outcomes by addressing the structural, institutional, and socio-cultural barriers that limit women’s meaningful participation in political and civic life. Implemented in Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province, the initiative focuses on empowering women leaders and civil society organisations while fostering an enabling environment for participatory and accountable local governance.

The project responds to deeply rooted gender inequalities and power imbalances that continue to marginalise women, particularly those from economically disadvantaged and socially excluded communities. While the introduction of a 25% quota for women in local government has increased numerical representation, many women elected to local authorities remain excluded from decision-making processes, often operating within male-dominated political structures that restrict their influence and leadership.

At the same time, the broader governance landscape is shaped by shrinking civic space, ethnic polarisation, and entrenched patronage-based political systems, further limiting opportunities for inclusive participation. Women leaders frequently face additional challenges such as limited access to resources, a lack of technical knowledge, social stigma, and domestic responsibilities, which hinder their engagement in public life.

Recognising these intersecting challenges, the project adopts a holistic approach that goes beyond representation to build leadership capacity, strengthen institutions, and transform harmful social norms. It promotes collective action, enhances collaboration between civil society and local authorities, and supports communities to actively engage in planning and decision-making processes.

In addition, the project addresses emerging socio-economic vulnerabilities exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting women leaders and communities to develop gender-responsive solutions to economic hardship and public health challenges. Through this integrated approach, the project contributes to building more inclusive, resilient, and accountable local governance systems.

This programme enhanced women’s participation and leadership in governance and public decision-making at local and national levels.

Implemented by Chrysalis with support from BMZ (Germany), the project aimed to institutionalize women’s leadership in governance systems.

This long-term initiative strengthens food security, agriculture, nutrition, and SME recovery among vulnerable communities.

This initiative strengthened MSMEs to recover from economic shocks and disasters through financial and enterprise support.

This project developed a comprehensive training package on Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE), addressing key challenges such as workplace harassment, exploitation, and financial independence.

Implemented by Chrysalis with support from UN Women, the project aimed to provide practical tools and skills to strengthen women’s economic participation and empowerment.

This phase continued the empowerment of tea plantation communities, building on the success of Phase I to strengthen livelihoods, workplace cohesion, and community development.

Implemented by Chrysalis with support from CARE UK and Twinnings, the project aimed to enhance economic opportunities and social inclusion within plantation communities.