A women’s community in Mangaluru has dedicated itself to empowering its members through various groups that unite around common causes to make a difference. Sabrina Britto Hougaard, the curator of this initiative, shared that it all started in 2020 with knitting scarves for soldiers stationed on glaciers. Over the years, the community has also crafted and distributed over 2,500 toys to patients at Wenlock District Hospital, children with cancer at KMC, and students at Kannada medium schools.

She said, “The group has sent handmade and preloved items to NGOs in North Karnataka and Odisha, including 500 skullcaps to Buddhist monks in Laos. Currently, the women are making crochet and quilted blankets, counterpanes, baby blankets, and quilts. These items will be displayed and sold at the Mangalore Habba, scheduled for October. The Needlework and Craft group has inspired the formation of several subgroups based on members’ interests,” said Sabrina.

Another active group is the Nature, Nurture, and Natural group, which includes both men and women. They engage in environmental conservation activities. This group has given rise to the Travel to Learn group, which has participated in activities like releasing turtle hatchlings, planting mangroves in Honnavar, and exploring farming practices. About six trips have been conducted so far, including a trek to Nethravati Gudde, with all expenses covered by participants.

Veena Amrit, another member, said the Friends with Honesty group aims to provide empathetic listening without offering solutions or advice to those struggling with their emotions. Meanwhile, the Poetry and Mangalore group encourages creative expression. The most active group is the Pre-loved Group for Sales and Charity, where members can sell or donate items.

Sabrina said, “This platform showcases the immense talent among women and provides an opportunity for them to grow, support each other, and share their skills. Currently, the community has 1,400 members. There is no registration fee; interested women can join by sending a WhatsApp message.”