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In a Nutshell
180
Swim & Surf Participants
675
Hours of Swim & Surf Lessons
7
Seasons Facilitated
450+
Women & Girls Empowered
500K
People reached
120
Local Community Members
Our Impact Areas
Women's
Empowerment
Improve confidence, challenge gender norms and stereotypes, increase well-being, develop individual and collective power, foster sisterhood.
Ocean Safety & Connection
Reconnect women with the sea, teach life-saving skills, and restore the ocean as a safe and enjoyable space after the 2004 tsunami.
Environmental Awareness
Increase environmental awareness and ocean literacy, foster sustainable practices, inspire action and empower women to become ocean protectors.
Swimming & Surfing Skills
Increase swimming and surfing skills, foster recreational enjoyment, and train participants to become swim and surf instructors.
Economic Empowerment
Create employment opportunities at SeaSisters, open up a professional network and train women to take on skilled jobs in surf tourism.
Leadership & Capacity Building
Empower women from rural areas to become facilitators and community leaders, invest into capacity building for long-term impact.
Impact Stories
"When I'm in the water, I can hear my own voice." - Sanu
Growing up in a small fishing village, there are many expectations for Sri Lankan women like Sanu. 95% of SeaSisters participants report facing barriers simply because they are women.
By learning to swim and surf, they are challenging these norms and creating new opportunities.
After completing the SeaSisters program, 90% of participants said their view on gender roles had shifted and that they see new possibilities.
“Before joining SeaSisters, I was really afraid of the sea.” - Dilini
Like Dilini, most Sri Lankan women have never learnt how to swim and thus, fear the ocean. Sri Lanka has one of the highest drowning rates the in the world.
Before joining SeaSisters Season 7, almost all participants lacked basic swimming and surfing skills. Through the program, 100% gained those foundational skills, and 70% even began swimming outside of SeaSisters, showing increased confidence and independence in the water.
Today, Dilini is part of the SeaSisters Surf Academy, and a passionate surf photographer.
“We need to take action and help people learn to love the ocean.”
Sri Lanka is ranked as the 5th largest plastic polluter int he world. We believe that ocean connection and literacy is the foundation for meaningful environmental action.
After joining SeaSisters Season 7, 100% of the participants expressed increased knowledge about marine issues, and a desire to protect the ocean.
Through education and beach cleanups, SeaSisters is building a community of ocean protectors that inspires others to take action too.​
“Since joining SeaSisters, I feel a deeper connection with the ocean’s beauty and power.”
Around the world, there is a growing recognition of the physical and mental health benefits that come from spending time in “blue spaces” like the sea, coast, and beaches.
Most women who join SeaSisters had little to no knowledge of ocean safety and were unable to enjoy these blue spaces.
By the end of the SeaSisters program, 100% said they felt more comfortable in the sea. With each minute they spent in the water, they began to reclaim their place in the ocean.
"If boys can surf, why can't we?" - Amzhi
Surfing is more than just a sport. It can open the door to life-changing opportunities and economic empowerment. However, Sri Lanka's surf tourism industry is very male-dominated.
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We aim to make the surf tourism industry more inclusive. Last season, eight SeaSisters participants qualified as surf instructors, community facilitators and international swim teachers.
For example, Surf Academy participant Amzhi started working as an instructor at a local surf camp, inspiring other girls to follow.
Impact Season 7
SeaSisters Season 7: Our Biggest Chapter Yet!
After each season, we measure the impact of our programs. How many women and girls did we reach? What has changed in their lives since joining SeaSisters?
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Want to know more about Season 7? ​