NPC’s Women Organized for Inclusion through Community Engagement (WOICE) project carried out a series of intervention programmes addressing locally identified community issues. These activities, implemented across multiple districts, aimed to empower communities, improve livelihoods and promote awareness of critical social issues.
In Polonnaruwa, the district WOICE women's team initiated its first intervention by creating a natural elephant fence in the Minneriya area to mitigate the impact of elephant invasions on local communities. Lime and hana plants were used to establish the fence, which is expected to offer environmental and economic benefits contributing to the long term empowerment of the residents. Their second activity focused on water security with a shramadana programme organised in Hingurakgoda to clean and maintain a natural water spring. Villagers and government officials participated, ensuring proper upkeep of the spring and access to clean water for the community. The third intervention in Hingurakgoda targetted youth health, raising awareness among young people about the dangers of using harmful cosmetic products, aiming to prevent skin diseases and promote healthier choices.
In Matara, the WOICE team conducted a programme guiding school leaving youth towards vocational education opportunities, equipping them with knowledge and referral pathways to pursue sustainable careers. In Kegalle, a programme was organized to integrate marginalised communities involved in the pot industry. The initiative provided a platform to discuss daily challenges, professional concerns and foster engagement with local authorities.
The Badulla District WOICE team carried out a mobile programme at Spring Valley Estate to provide essential identity documents including birth certificates, national identity cards and marriage certificates to community members who lacked them. The initiative received strong support from government agencies and the WOICE Women’s Team continues to assist residents in completing the necessary documentation.
A cluster intervention by the Badulla and Nuwara Eliya District WOICE women’s teams focused on enhancing women’s representation in upcoming Provincial Council elections and addressing verbal violence against women. Activities included a peaceful community march, public awareness sessions and lectures on women’s leadership. The chief police officers of the Women’s and Children’s Affairs Division of the Badulla Hali Ela police played a significant role in supporting the programme.