Chicken City
Darwin has seen nationwide impact, thanks to his restaurant chain.
Latin America + Caribbean
July 29, 2025
Gnanaruby steers her motorbike down the streets of Vavuniya, Sri Lanka, carrying fresh fish to hungry customers. For Gnanaruby, her bike—and her businesses—are powerful reminders of her own independence and resilience. It’s hard work, but she knows it’s worth it.
Rebuilding
After the sudden loss of her husband in the Sri Lankan civil war, Gnanaruby became the sole provider for her nine-year-old son. It meant stepping outside her socially accepted role and entering a world of isolation and discrimination. But with unwavering determination, she stepped into that role and began rebuilding.
Every day, Gnanaruby faced a new battle. Searching for employment, a loan, or government services came with the risk of sexual exploitation, while something as trivial as fetching groceries at odd hours could attract negative stigma from her community. And with the town’s population nearly doubling as displaced people sought refuge, jobs were hard to come by. No matter what she tried, it seemed like Gnanaruby couldn’t win.
But she didn’t give up.
"You’re Not Alone”
Her determination caught the attention of Alliance Development Trust (ADT), a local partner of Partners Worldwide. They selected Gnanaruby to join their War Widows project, an initiative designed to equip female-headed households with the tools to become self-sufficient.
Finally seen, Gnanaruby leaped at the chance. She enrolled in their financial training program, where she learned how to manage her family’s expenses and develop a business plan. Then, ADT helped Gnanaruby gain access to a deep freezer. It wasn’t just a piece of equipment. It was a tangible message that said, “you’re not alone.”
With her new freezer, Gnanaruby launched a small ice production business and began earning $325 (USD) each month. Steady demand from reliable customers meant she could even save part of her income! But Gnanaruby didn’t stop there—she also began selling fish from the back of her motorbike, often braving difficult weather to ensure her son was fed and cared for.
Walking the Road to Succes, Together
Though challenges remain, Gnanaruby hopes to grow her business. She’ll soon upgrade to a larger icebox; a modest piece of equipment that would significantly enhance her production capacity and income, enabling her to expand her business and continue building a more stable and dignified livelihood. And additional training from ADT in customer service and logistics will further enable her to build positive rapport within the community and obtain fresh fish on a daily basis.
Gnanaruby’s story—and her relationship with ADT—has only just begun. It’s a testament to the long-term nature of partnerships at the heart of our model. No matter what challenges arise, partners like ADT will always be there to walk toward success together.
