At 40 years old, Akbar Rifya from Biranthuraichenai, Batticaloa, is raising her two children on her own after being abandoned by her husband. For years, she struggled under the weight of financial hardship, trying to make ends meet by selling peanut cookies and sweets. But with an income of just 6,000 rupees a month, she could barely cover daily expenses, let alone provide for her children’s education.

Rifya dreamed of expanding her business but had no access to the capital she needed. That changed when she joined the CIRCLE Wing of Young Feminist Team (Batticaloa). With a grant of 45,000 rupees and training in business planning, she was able to increase her production and find new market linkages. Today, her monthly income has more than doubled, reaching between 14,000 and 15,000 rupees.

For the first time, Rifya can manage her household expenses, cover the indirect costs of her small business, and even save. Through CIRCLE’s savings initiative, she has started putting aside 1000 rupees each month, a small step that gives her a sense of security and pride.

Perhaps the most powerful transformation has been in her confidence. At first, Rifya found it difficult to even step outside her home, held back by cultural restrictions and family burdens. But through CIRCLE’s exchange programmes and regular meetings, she and other women in her community have gained the courage to come forward, speak up, and take charge of their lives.

With her resilience, new skills, and growing independence, she is no longer just surviving; she is creating a brighter future for herself and her children.

This initiative was led by the CIRCLE Wing of Young Feminist Team under the Peacebuilding Fund and SDG Fund, Vriddhi and UNOPS Sri Lanka.