Self Employed Women's Association

Definition

The Self Employed Women's Association (SEWA) is a trade union for women workers in the informal sector in India, founded in 1972. It aims to empower women by providing them with access to resources, training, and support to improve their livelihoods and working conditions. SEWA has played a crucial role in promoting gender equality and women's empowerment by advocating for the rights of self-employed women and addressing their unique challenges in the workforce.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. SEWA was founded by Ela Bhatt in 1972 to address the rights and needs of women workers who are often marginalized and unrecognized in the workforce.
2. The organization provides training programs in various skills, such as sewing and handicrafts, empowering women to improve their income-generating capacities.
3. SEWA has over two million members across India, representing diverse occupations such as street vendors, home-based workers, and agricultural laborers.
4. Through collective bargaining and advocacy, SEWA has successfully negotiated better wages, working conditions, and access to social security for its members.
5. SEWA has also established cooperatives and self-help groups, enabling women to access credit and savings, enhancing their financial independence.

Review Questions

• How does the Self Employed Women's Association support women in the informal sector?
  • The Self Employed Women's Association supports women in the informal sector by providing them with access to training, resources, and collective bargaining power. By empowering women with skills necessary for various occupations, SEWA helps improve their livelihoods. Furthermore, it advocates for their rights, ensuring better wages and working conditions while also fostering a sense of community among its members.
• What role does microfinance play in the empowerment of women within the framework of SEWA?
  • Microfinance plays a significant role in empowering women within SEWA by offering financial services tailored to meet their needs. Through access to small loans and savings accounts, women can invest in their businesses, improve their income-generating activities, and achieve financial independence. This access to capital not only enhances their economic status but also contributes to their overall empowerment within the community.
• Evaluate the impact of SEWA on gender equality in India and how it serves as a model for similar initiatives globally.
  • SEWA's impact on gender equality in India is profound as it challenges traditional gender roles by advocating for the rights of self-employed women. The organization provides essential support that enables these women to gain recognition, respect, and financial independence. Its model can be replicated globally, showcasing how empowering informal sector workers through collective action and resources can lead to significant advancements in gender equality. By addressing specific challenges faced by women in diverse contexts, SEWA serves as an inspiration for similar initiatives worldwide.

Related terms

Informal Sector: Economic activities that are not regulated by the government, often characterized by lack of formal contracts or benefits, where many women workers are employed.

Microfinance: Financial services, such as small loans and savings accounts, specifically designed to support low-income individuals or families, often used by women entrepreneurs.

Gender Equality: The state in which access to rights or opportunities is unaffected by gender, emphasizing equal treatment and opportunities for men and women.