Sustainable Project Management Practices in Women Empowerment Projects in Puttalam District

Abstract

This study explored the Sustainable Project Management Practices in Women’s Empowerment Initiatives in Puttalam District, Sri Lanka. Women’s empowerment projects play a crucial role in advancing gender equality and improving socio-economic conditions in Sri Lanka. However, ensuring their long-term success and sustainability remains a challenge, particularly in rural areas like Puttalam District, where women face significant socio-cultural and economic barriers. Despite the potential benefits, many women’s empowerment initiatives in Puttalam struggle with sustainability. Limited resources, societal norms, and ineffective management practices often impede their long-term impact. This study explores sustainable project management practices in women’s empowerment initiatives in Puttalam District, aiming to identify practices that ensure long-term success and address the challenges faced by these projects. A qualitative research design was employed, involving 20 semi-structured interviews with NGOs and women in empowerment programs. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes related to sustainable practices, impacts, and challenges. The study identified key sustainable practices such as community engagement, financial literacy training, transparent communication, and capacity building. Environmental sustainability practices, including eco-friendly agricultural techniques, were also highlighted as contributing to long-term success. Challenges included limited funding, cultural barriers, lack of capacity building, and poor communication. The study recommends enhancing community engagement, providing relevant training programs, increasing funding, and improving communication channels to improve sustainability. These measures can strengthen the effectiveness and longevity of women’s empowerment initiatives.