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Women Empowerment Programmes for Social Improvement through Trainings and Education (WEPSITE)
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Since 2025, Blossom Trust, in collaboration with CMS Foundation, has been implementing the WEPSITE Project to promote the economic and social empowerment of rural women through skill development in sustainable handicraft production. The project provides training in palm-leaf crafts, coconut shell crafts, and coconut fiber (coir) product making, encouraging the use of locally available and eco-friendly resources.
Background
Virudhunagar district in Tamil Nadu is home to thousands of women engaged in hazardous and low-paying informal work, particularly in the fireworks and matchstick industries. Many women face unsafe working conditions, health risks, limited income opportunities, and a lack of social protection. Women from vulnerable backgrounds — including widows and those affected by TB or HIV/AIDS — often experience additional social and economic challenges, with limited access to alternative livelihood opportunities and vocational training.
Recognising the need for safer and more sustainable livelihoods, Blossom Trust launched the WEPSITE Project to support rural women in transitioning toward eco-friendly handicraft production through skill development, economic empowerment, and community-based rehabilitation.
— A woman supported through the WEPSITE Project, Karuppasamy Nagar, India
"This training has brought a positive change in my life. I now have the confidence that I can earn additional income for my family through the skills I have learned.”
Our Project
The WEPSITE Project currently supports 100 rural women from Chinnaperali, Sivanapuram, Pandian Nagar, and Mallankinaru. Among the participants, 60 women are engaged in palm-leaf handicraft training, while 40 women are receiving training in coconut shell and coconut fiber (coir) product making.Women receive hands-on training in palm-leaf handicrafts, coconut shell crafts, and coconut fiber (coir) product making under the guidance of skilled trainers. Participants learn to create a variety of useful and marketable products including baskets, pooja baskets, hats, plate mats, lunch bags, and decorative handicrafts, helping them build practical livelihood skills and income-generation opportunities.
The WEPSITE Project aims to strengthen women’s confidence, decision-making ability, and social participation through collective learning and community engagement. As part of the initiative, five Women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs) were formed to encourage leadership, mutual support, and community-based livelihood activities among participants.
