Women participating in WEEDS empowerment program, engaged in community development activities and skill training sessions

About Us

Empowering women and children through education and sustainable development since 1989

Our Story

WEEDS training session for women showing participants learning new skills in a supportive community environment

Established in 1989, the Women's Education and Economic Development Society (WEEDS) began as the "Keezhmaanagar Mahalir Munnetra Sangham" in Keezhmaanagar-Gerugambakkam. Our mission was clear: to empower marginalized women and foster community development through education and economic opportunities.

Over three decades, we've grown from a small community initiative to an organization that has touched thousands of lives across Tamil Nadu, focusing on women's empowerment, children's education, health development, and community welfare.

Since 1989

Years of dedicated service

1,400+ SHGs

Self-help groups formed

300+

Educational scholarships

Multiple

Awards & recognitions

Advisory Members

Our advisory members bring valuable expertise and guidance to help WEEDS achieve its mission and expand its impact in the communities we serve.

Ms. Gayathiri Shanmugam - Advisory Member and Chief Program Officer at Haqdarshak, bringing expertise in ed-tech and IT sectors

Ms. Gayathiri Shanmugam

Chief Program Officer, Haqdarshak

With over two decades of experience in the ed-tech and IT sectors, Ms. Gayathiri brings exceptional expertise to our advisory board. She has led numerous quality control audits and made significant contributions to training and development initiatives throughout her career. Currently serving as the Chief Program Officer at Haqdarshak, she continues to drive innovation in program management and implementation.

Mr. Sridhar Ganesh - Advisory Member and HR Management Expert with 40 years of experience in human resource management

Mr. Sridhar Ganesh

HR Management Expert

Mr. Sridhar Ganesh brings 40 years of extensive experience in human resource management, covering both operational and strategic aspects. His distinguished career includes serving as Director – HR and Lead Director for the Diversified Businesses of the Murugappa Group, and Director of Learning & Development at Cadbury. His wealth of knowledge in organizational development and leadership continues to guide our strategic initiatives.

Governing Board Members

Our governing board members provide strategic guidance and leadership to ensure WEEDS continues to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve.

Mrs. Sathya - President of WEEDS, leading the organization with vision and dedication to empower women and children

Mrs. Sathya

President

Leading our organization with vision and dedication, ensuring we fulfill our mission of empowering women and children through sustainable development initiatives.

Mrs. Anandalakshmi - Vice President of WEEDS, supporting strategic initiatives for women and children empowerment

Mrs. Anandalakshmi

Vice President

Supporting our President and leading strategic initiatives to ensure we meet our mission of empowering women and children.

Mrs. Helan Joyes - Secretary of WEEDS, coordinating administrative functions and community partnerships

Mrs. Helan Joyes

Secretary

Coordinating our administrative functions and ensuring effective communication between the board, staff, and our community partners.

Mrs. Sinthiya - Treasurer of WEEDS, managing financial resources with integrity and transparency

Mrs. Sinthiya

Treasurer

Managing our financial resources with integrity and transparency to support our programs and ensure long-term sustainability.

Mrs. Pushpa - Joint Secretary of WEEDS, assisting in administrative coordination and program implementation

Mrs. Pushpa

Joint Secretary

Assisting in administrative coordination and documentation to ensure smooth operations and effective program implementation.

Mrs. Arulmozhi - Board Member of WEEDS, contributing valuable insights for maximum community impact

Mrs. Arulmozhi

Board Member

Contributing valuable insights and expertise to guide our programs and initiatives for maximum community impact.

Recognitions & Awards

Over the years, WEEDS has been honored with several awards and recognitions that validate our commitment to empowering marginalized communities and promoting sustainable development.

2014

Service to Human Rights Education among Grassroots Communities Award

Presented by the Human Rights Education Movement of India, acknowledging our efforts in promoting human rights education at the grassroots level.

2015

Mary Clubwala Jadhav Award for Best Humanitarian Service

Conferred by the Madras School of Social Work, recognizing our outstanding humanitarian services and contributions to community development.

2019

Exemplary Performance in Self-Help Group Bank Linkage Programme

Awarded by ICICI Bank, highlighting our effective implementation and management of the Self-Help Group bank linkage program, which has empowered numerous women financially.

2022

Best Practices Award in Compliance, Finance, and Human Resource Management

Presented by Dhwani Foundation, this award acknowledges our adherence to best practices in organizational compliance, financial management, and human resource development, ensuring transparency and efficiency in our operations.

Join Us in Making a Difference

Whether through volunteering, donations, or partnerships, your support helps us continue our mission of empowering women and children across communities.