CocoFriends Project
A visionary social enterprise led by Kalki Subramaniam. A model of sustainable empowerment for rural trans communities in Pollachi.
Crafting Dignity
Cocofriends brings together a team of 12 talented transwomen from rural Pollachi, Tamil Nadu, to create eco-friendly products using coconut shell, coir, and natural materials.
More than a livelihood initiative, it is a movement of dignity. Pollachi, known for its coconut farming, is home to many less privileged transwomen. Cocofriends provides stable income, creative expression, and a safe, inclusive workspace where they are respected as creators.
Training & Launch
Thanks to a 3-day intensive training by the National Institute of Rural Development (NIRD), the team has mastered product design and finishing. This rapid transition from training to production showcases their resilience.
Trans persons in the production of coconut shell craft at Pollachi.
Aligned with UN SDG 12
Cocofriends directly contributes to global sustainability goals:
- Sustainable Resource Use: Repurposing coconut shells into tea cups, bowls, and cutlery to reduce waste.
- Eco-Conscious Production: Minimizing carbon footprint and plastic dependency.
- Community-Led Innovation: Proving that responsible production can be inclusive and transformative.
A Model for the Nation
Cocofriends is a replicable model demonstrating that SDG-aligned projects can be rooted in local culture.
🤝 What We Need to Thrive
To expand our production and reach global markets, Cocofriends urgently seeks:
To guide business strategy, scaling, and market access.
To improve infrastructure and expand production capacity.
With ethical brands and government bodies to amplify impact.
Follow Our Journey
See our products and meet the artisans on social media:
Join Us
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.
