Self Employed Women's Association

Definition

The Self Employed Women's Association (SEWA) is a trade union in India that was established in 1972 to support women workers in the informal sector. It empowers women by providing them with access to financial services, training, and advocacy for their rights, helping to improve their working conditions and economic status. This organization exemplifies how grassroots movements can impact gender equality and women's empowerment in the context of globalization and labor markets.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. SEWA was founded by Ela Bhatt and has grown to include over two million women members across various sectors in India.
2. The organization provides training in skills such as sewing, handicrafts, and other vocational skills, enhancing the economic independence of women.
3. SEWA has been instrumental in advocating for policy changes that benefit women in the informal workforce, such as labor laws and social security measures.
4. By promoting self-help groups, SEWA enables women to save money collectively, access loans, and invest in small businesses.
5. SEWA's success has inspired similar movements globally, highlighting the importance of organizing informal workers for better working conditions.

Review Questions

• How does the Self Employed Women's Association empower women workers in the informal sector?
  • The Self Employed Women's Association empowers women workers by providing access to essential resources such as financial services, vocational training, and advocacy for their rights. Through these support systems, SEWA helps women gain skills necessary for entrepreneurship and improves their negotiating power within labor markets. This empowerment contributes to greater economic independence and fosters a sense of solidarity among women working in informal employment.
• In what ways has SEWA influenced policy changes affecting women in the workforce?
  • SEWA has played a crucial role in influencing policy changes by advocating for labor rights and social security measures specifically for women in the informal sector. The organization raises awareness about the challenges faced by these workers, leading to discussions with government officials and policymakers. Through its lobbying efforts, SEWA has successfully pushed for reforms that recognize the contributions of informal workers and secure better protections for their rights.
• Evaluate the broader implications of SEWA's model for women's empowerment in globalization contexts.
  • SEWA's model demonstrates the potential for grassroots organizations to drive significant change in women's empowerment amid globalization. By focusing on collective action, financial inclusion, and skill development, SEWA provides a replicable framework for similar initiatives worldwide. This approach addresses systemic inequalities faced by women in informal economies and highlights how localized efforts can resonate on a global scale, influencing international discussions on gender equity and labor rights.

Related terms

Informal Sector: A part of the economy that is not regulated by the government, often characterized by unregistered businesses and casual labor, where many women work.

Microfinance: Financial services provided to low-income individuals or groups who do not have access to traditional banking, often crucial for women entrepreneurs.

Gender Equality: The state of equal access to rights and opportunities regardless of gender, which SEWA actively promotes among women workers.