Archana Women’s Centre (AWC) is the Kerala wing of Jyothi Jeevapoorna Trust (JJPT), registered under the Indian Trust Act of 1882 (Reg. No. 50/94). The trust is run by the Secular Institute - The Oblate Missionaries of Mary Immaculate. Miss Thresiamma Mathew (OMMI) is the founder and Director of the Centre. AWC has become a proud leader in women’s empowerment, gender equality, and the advocacy of women’s rights.
Miss Thresiamma Mathew, with her unique vision, firmly believed that women needed more than just economic empowerment; social transformation was equally vital. She championed the idea that "no job is strictly male or female" and proved that women could excel in all fields. By breaking social prejudices and traditional taboos, she ignited a revolution that transformed societal perceptions.
Founded in 2004, Archana Women’s Centre (AWC) is a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) that has carved out a unique identity as a leading force in women’s empowerment. The organization is committed to the holistic development of women, addressing their physical, mental, psychological, financial, and spiritual well-being. AWC creates gender awareness and imparts training in non-traditional skills, enabling women to break into traditionally male-dominated professions such as masonry, carpentry, electrical and plumbing work, driving, and construction.
Operating from its headquarters at Vettimukal near Ettumanoor in Kottayam District, Kerala, AWC has extended its reach to four districts in Kerala and Kanyakumari District in Tamil Nadu. Over 5,000 women trained in non-traditional skills at AWC now work as professional masons, contractors, brickmakers, and carpenters.
AWC also conducts regular awareness programs for its members and women’s groups on gender rights, justice, and legal matters related to gender issues. The organization envisions a society where women achieve complete inclusion, gender equality, and freedom in all aspects of life.
AWC’s unblemished reputation, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to its mission have made it a standout leader in the field of women’s empowerment, enabling women to excel in their professional careers and personal lives
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Motto: FULLNESS OF LIFE FOR ALL (JN: 10:10)
Our Aim: To dismantle barriers of gender discrimination prevailing at all levels especially in the technical employment sector, by means of training, empowerment, employment and continued motivational and organizational support to women.
Key objectives:
1. To empower women for equal rights, justice and equity.
2. To aid the integrated development of women in our society.
3. To impart skill development training and ensure employment opportunities in non-conventional trades for women like masonry, carpentry, plumbing, electrical, etc. and break the traditional barriers for equal wages and opportunities.
4. To transform the society through gender consciousness to ensure women's rights, security, well-being and sustainable development.
5. To promote women-led community-based organizations and micro enterprises.
6. To promote psycho-social competency of children, adolescents and mediate in problem-solving.
7. To provide counselling centers for women, children and adolescent groups who seek redress in family grievances.
8. To organize community action groups for achieving women’s rights in the local government.