In the dim light of a kitchen, the rhythmic sound of a pressure cooker serves as a metaphor for the life of countless women trapped in abusive relationships. As steam builds and pressure mounts, many women find themselves in similar situations—suffocated by fear yet tethered by financial dependency. Since its inception in 2018, Moms Village has emerged as a beacon of hope for those seeking to reclaim their lives and independence.
From Struggle to Strength
The journey to create Moms Village Asia began with a profound personal experience. Its founder, Vatsala Nair Manoharan, understands the complexities that bind women to their abusers. “Despite the fear, 75% of women stay in abusive marriages due to financial dependency,” she reflects. The vision for Moms Village Asia was clear: to provide women, especially those financially reliant on their partners, with the opportunity to rebuild their lives through entrepreneurship and community support.
The mission has evolved over the years, transitioning from a co-working space to a platform that champions digital empowerment. This shift was not merely a change in structure but a response to the pressing needs of women in crisis.
“The co-working space didn’t solve the core issue,” she explains. “Many victims couldn’t come out to learn due to childcare responsibilities and societal pressures.” Recognising these barriers, Moms Village Asia pivoted, creating an online community that has since grown to over 15,000 members, fostering connections and providing essential resources.
Measuring Impact
For the women involved with Moms Village, success is deeply personal. “We haven’t reached our goal until at least 80% of financially dependent women can generate their own income,” the founder asserts. Initiatives like the #10Ringgit campaign, which encourages women to earn just 10 Ringgit a day, have inspired many to take small yet significant steps toward independence.
Success stories abound, revealing the transformative power of community and support. From single mothers finding stability to survivors of domestic violence reclaiming their self-worth, these narratives serve as poignant reminders of resilience in the face of adversity.
Holistic Empowerment
Moms Village Asia does more than just promote entrepreneurship; it addresses the holistic well-being of its participants. The organisation recognizes that juggling business and home responsibilities can be overwhelming, especially for those living in high-stress environments. Through a combination of coaching, peer support, and community building, women are encouraged to take small, manageable steps toward their goals.
“We celebrate their victories and encourage them to support one another,” the founder notes. Annual gala events recognize outstanding achievements within the community, creating a culture of celebration and support that is vital for empowerment.
The Magic Seed Initiative
One of the standout projects of Mom’s Village is the Magic Seed initiative, which produces upcycled seed paper. This eco-friendly product not only generates income but also provides employment opportunities for beneficiaries. The initiative embodies the organization’s mission—sustainability, empowerment, and community spirit, all intertwined.
“Magic Seed is the hope that fuels our vision,” the founder emphasises. “It helps us fund our free learning platform and creates job opportunities, making it integral to our overall mission.”
Looking Ahead
As Moms Village Asia continues to grow, ambitious plans are in place. Within the next year, the organisation aims to digitalise its corporate gifting platform and expand the Magic Seed product line for export across Southeast Asia. In the long term, they envision a gig-work community platform and a sorority home for women in need, offering a safe space for healing and skill development.
The founder’s advice for women looking to start their own businesses is simple yet powerful: “Just ask. Learning and entrepreneurship are skills that can be acquired. Healing and building a support system are crucial to overcoming barriers.”
A Call to Action
In the fight against gender inequality and financial dependence, social entrepreneurship plays a pivotal role. By addressing the unique challenges women face, Mom’s Village Asia not only offers a path to financial independence but also shifts the narrative from victimhood to empowerment.
In a world where many women still struggle to find their voices, Moms Village Asia stands as a testament to the strength of community and the power of collective action. Each step taken by the women of Mom’s Village is a step toward a future where they are no longer defined by their circumstances but by their potential.