Women's Education and Economic Development Society

ORIGIN OF WEEDS NGO:

Back in 1989, Keezhmanagar was infamous, frequented by police due to rampant bootlegging. Wife beating, family quarrels, and the abandonment of wives and neglect of children, particularly girls, were prevalent. Men's lifespans dwindled from alcohol abuse, resulting in many young widows aged 25 to 35, leading to a surge in women-headed families.

In response to this dire situation, three proactive individuals emerged in 1989: Mrs. B. Karlin, 30, engaged in philanthropy; R. Sumathi, 25, the village's first graduate; and A. Helan Joyes, 20, a village health worker. They raised crucial questions about whether wife beating should be a husband's prerogative, if it should be accepted as inevitable in marriage, and whether women should resign it to fate.

Motivated to effect change at individual, family, women's group, and community levels, they founded the "Keezhmanagar Mahalir Munnettra Sangam" in 1989 emerged as a community-based organization. In 1996, the organization underwent a name change, becoming the "Women’s Education and Economic Development Society" (WEEDS) to broaden its impact on the rights of women and children. Since then, the organization has been steadfast in its mission, empowering communities through a range of socio-economic development initiatives.

WEEDS Nonprofit is now steered by a second generation of 7 committed women board members who thoughtfully plan, decisively act, and work relentlessly to bring meaningful change to countless women & children lives — a mission made possible by the unwavering support of generous donors, well-wishers, and supporters.

ORGANIZATION SUMMARY:

Women's Education and Economic Development Society (WEEDS) is a grassroot nonprofit
organization based in Tamil Nadu, India dedicated to improving the lives of underprivileged Women and children in suburban and rural communities. WEEDS nonprofit focuses on enhancing women’s economic and social opportunities through skill development and leadership training, while supporting children with access to quality education, healthcare, and child protection. Through its programs, WEEDS promotes gender equality, child welfare, and community growth for a more equitable & sustainable future.

CORE PROGRAMMES :

1. Women Empowerment:
We empower underprivileged women through financial literacy, Fostering Entrepreneurship, legal awareness, and skill-building workshops, helping them achieve self-reliance and economic stability.

2. Children’s Education and Development:
We provide academic support, emotional wellbeing programs, and digital literacy training to underprivileged children, ensuring their holistic growth and improved school performance.

3. Health and Hygiene:
We promote health awareness and distribute hygiene kits to underserved families, improving community health and preventing disease through education and basic resources.

4. Livelihood Support:
We offer tailoring, embroidery, and other vocational skill training to women, enabling them to earn sustainable incomes and contribute to their household economy.

5. Community Development:
We engage with local communities to raise awareness on social issues, advocate for child rights and women’s safety, and foster collective action for lasting change.

KEY INITIATIVES:

1.Self-Help Group Formation and Bank Linkage Program
2.Prevention of Sexual Harassment (PoSH) Act Training
3.Tailoring and Aari Embroidery Skill Training for Women
4.Women Entrepreneurship Training - Empowering small scale women Entrepreneurs
5.Women’s Rights and Empowerment Training
6.Unorganized Women Workers Education and Development Training
7.Health Education for Women
8.Protection of children from sexual offences Act,2012 - POCSO awareness Training for
Children
9.Rural Students’ Computer Literacy and Life Skills Training
10.Educating Students from Low-Income Families - Education Scholarship support
11. Educate Rural Underprivileged Students – After-School Tuition Centers
12. Education Enhancement Program for Slow Learner student's in schools – Udhayam Project
13. Enhancing Students' Emotional and Mental Health Well-Being
14.Build Your Generation: Life Skill,career Guidance and Mentoring Sessions
15. Livelihood Support for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs)
16. Upgrading Primary Health care centers (PHCs)
17. Emergency Response During Disasters

How will your Donation/Grant make a Difference:

A grant to WEEDS will create meaningful and lasting change in the lives of underprivileged women, children, and families across rural and suburban Tamil Nadu.
Your support will enable us to:

✓ Educate Low income families students to pursue education without interruption.

✓ Empower Rural Students by providing them with computer literacy, life skills education, and after-school academic support — helping them to build confidence, and prepare for future careers in a digital world.

✓ Support Underprivileged Children by sponsoring school kits and nurturing emotional
and social development, ensuring no child is left behind due to lack of resources.

✓ Strengthen Women’s Economic Independence by offering tailoring and Aari embroidery skill training, paving the way for home-based employment and self sufficiency.

✓ Promote Health & Hygiene by distributing hygiene kits and organizing awareness sessions for families, helping to reduce preventable illnesses and improve community well-being.

✓ Advance Women’s Rights through legal awareness and gender sensitization programs,
equipping women to assert their rights and contribute to a safer, more equitable society.

✓ Provide essential food supplies to disadvantaged families, offering immediate hunger
relief and ensuring basic nutrition. Your support brings dignity, stability, and hope to
households facing food insecurity.

✓ Provide Relief During Crisis by delivering essential food supplies and emergency aid to
families affected by poverty, hunger, or disasters.

Every contribution directly transforms lives — from a child receiving education, to a mother starting her own tailoring/Embroidery business, to families receiving life saving support during hard times.

Together with donors like you, WEEDS Nonprofit is creating pathways out of poverty,
building resilience, and nurturing brighter futures for entire communities.