As the United Nations marks its 80th anniversary in 2025, stories of resilience like Sheeba Unnikrishnan’s in Kerala, India, underscore the transformative power of community-driven initiatives. A member of a traditional fishing family, Sheeba once relied solely on her husband’s unpredictable income from the sea. Today, she runs a thriving paper plate business and owns a new home – a testament to perseverance and support.
Sheeba’s turnaround began with the Society for Assistance to Fisherwomen (SAF), a local organization providing vocational training and seed funding. “The training gave me confidence,” she shared. Within months, her enterprise gained market traction, enabling her family to purchase a car and secure quality education for their children.
Her story is part of the UN’s “One Home: Shared Future” campaign, which amplifies grassroots success narratives ahead of its milestone anniversary. The initiative, developed with CGTN and global creators, highlights how localized solutions can address global challenges like economic inequality.
For investors and policymakers, Sheeba’s journey offers insights into the untapped potential of women-led micro-enterprises in emerging markets. Academics may find it a case study in bridging skill gaps, while diaspora communities and travelers gain a window into Kerala’s evolving socio-economic fabric.
