Penma

The life of women in Perumathura here is shaped by a complex interplay of environmental vulnerability, economic precarity, and deep-rooted social structures. The collapse of fishing due to climate change has eroded household income, forcing women into insecure, low-wage work while managing heavy domestic responsibilities. This stress is compounded by alcoholism-driven violence, poor sanitation, and health risks. With little access to assets like boats or land, they remain financially excluded; widows of fishermen are especially vulnerable, often left in poverty to raise children alone, embodying the systemic fragility of coastal livelihoods.

PENMA (Womanhood) was launched in response to provide economic and social security to women in Perumathura. Since its inception in 2010, Pennma has stood as a pillar of strength and support within the community, growing alongside Snehatheeram.

Our Impact

250

Penma’s Beneficiaries Count

35

Penma Members

Educational Infrastructure

Strengthening Our Schools by Providing essential infrastructure to Perumathura LP School and Madanvila School, ensuring a better environment for our children.

Community
Wellbeing

Cancer detection camps, health awareness classes collaborating with the State Chief Minister’s Cancer Detection Programs, and Snehita Women’s Health Foundation.

Entrepreneurship

Trained 100+ women in producing eco-friendly bags, skillfully linking traditional craftsmanship with environmental sustainability and income generation.

Scholastic
Awards

Supporting deserving and talented students to pursue their educational dreams, ensuring long-term progress for individuals and the community.

Cultural
Celebration

Sharing heritage through vibrant yearly Onam gatherings, family meetups, and Republic Day events, to strengthening community solidarity.

Digital Literacy & Language Empowerment

Equipping women with the essential digital and communication skills needed to thrive in the world.

Future
Projects

In 2026-2027 we will begin with a comprehensive needs assessment study to better understand the realities of women in Perumathura. Evidence from our 15 years of work highlights two pressing challenges.

Women Led Households

High divorce rates resulting in many female-headed households, and limited livelihood opportunities, with only a quarter of employed women earning year-round incomes. Guided by these insights, our focus will be to co-create a strategic plan for holistic development- one that addresses economic vulnerability while strengthening the social and emotional resilience of women and their families

Gender Volunteers

We are also building a network of Gender Volunteers from within the community—local women trained to serve as the first points of contact, listeners, and guides. Their strength lies in trust: as peers, they understand cultural nuances and daily struggles, making their support authentic and effective. These volunteers provide peer-to-peer guidance and awareness, identify needs and connect women to resources, and act as champions of change within their own social networks, fostering resilience from the ground up.