Sthree Craft Shop and Café

The Sthree Craft Shop and Café in Kandy works with women in the local community to increase their income, strengthen their financial independence, and help them become economically empowered. The Sthree Café employs local women, providing them with a fair wage and the skills and training needed to work in the service sector.

The café serves fresh, locally sourced, seasonal vegetarian cuisine and provides a traditional Sri Lankan dining experience. You’ll experience this first hand on our Sri Lanka: Pearl of the Indian Ocean tour.

The Women’s Development Centre (WDC) promotes gender equality and combats violence against women. They empower women through programs like Sthree, a handicraft shop for women entrepreneurs. Planeterra supported the WDC to renovate the craft shop and outfit a working kitchen. The addition of a dining area attracted more customers to Sthree, ensuring a steady income flow. Women and youth now serve up breakfast, lunch and high tea to travellers.

THE IMPACT OF TOURISM

• By working in tourism, Sthree increased cash flow by over 400% in the first year, expanding support for artisans.
• The initiative enables them to continually support women and break the cycle of violence and poverty.
• 200 people are currently earning an income from Sthree