Trans persons in the production of coconut shell craft at Pollachi
Cocofriends Project: A Model of Sustainable Empowerment for Rural Trans Communities
About the Project
Cocofriends is a visionary social enterprise led by Kalki Subramaniam, renowned activist, artist, and founder of the Sahodari Foundation. The project brings together a team of 12 talented transwomen from rural Pollachi, Tamil Nadu, to create eco-friendly, handcrafted products using coconut shell, coir, and other natural materials. Cocofriends is more than a livelihood initiative—it is a movement of dignity, creativity, and sustainability.
Aligned with SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
Cocofriends directly contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goal 12, which promotes:
Sustainable resource use: By repurposing coconut waste into beautiful, functional products, the project reduces environmental impact and promotes circular economy practices.
Eco-conscious production: All items are handmade using biodegradable materials, minimizing carbon footprint and plastic dependency.
Community-led innovation: The project empowers marginalized voices to lead in sustainable entrepreneurship, proving that responsible production can be inclusive and transformative.
Empowering Rural Transwomen of Pollachi
Pollachi (of Tamilnadu), known for its coconut farming, is also home to many less privileged transwomen who face systemic barriers to employment and dignity. Cocofriends:
Provides stable income through artisan work rooted in local resources.
Offers creative expression and skill-building through design, branding, and storytelling.
Builds confidence and community through collective leadership and visibility.
Creates a safe, inclusive workspace where transwomen are respected as creators and entrepreneurs.
Training & Launch
Thanks to a 3-day intensive training by the National Institute of Rural Development (NIRD), the CocoFriends team has already begun production. The training covered:
Coconut shell product design and making
Different types of products and finishing
The importance of sustainability for the rural trans communities
This rapid transition from training to production showcases the team’s resilience, readiness, and potential to scale.
A Model for the Nation
Cocofriends is not just a local initiative—it is a replicable model for inclusive, sustainable development across India. It demonstrates:
How rural trans communities can lead eco-enterprises with the right support.
That SDG-aligned projects can be rooted in local culture and materials.
The power of art, identity, and entrepreneurship to drive systemic change.
What We Need
To grow and thrive, Cocofriends urgently seeks:
Entrepreneur mentorship to guide business strategy, scaling, and market access.
Financial support to expand production, improve infrastructure, and reach national and global markets.
Partnerships with ethical brands, NGOs, and government bodies to amplify impact.
Join Us in Building a Future of Dignity and Sustainability
Cocofriends is a call to action—for allies, changemakers, and conscious consumers. Support us in creating a world where transwomen in rural India are not just surviving, but thriving as eco-entrepreneurs.
Reference links and pictures of the project:
