Self-Employed Women's Association (SEWA)

Definition

The Self-Employed Women's Association (SEWA) is a trade union in India that empowers women who work in the informal sector by providing them with financial and social support. SEWA focuses on improving the livelihoods of women through various initiatives, including access to credit, healthcare, and legal assistance, making it a significant player in the fight for women's economic development.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. SEWA was founded in 1972 by Ela Bhatt in Ahmedabad, India, with the aim of organizing women workers in the informal sector to achieve their rights and improve their livelihoods.
2. The association has grown significantly over the years, boasting over 1.5 million members from various professions including street vendors, home-based workers, and agricultural laborers.
3. SEWA provides a range of services including microfinance options, health care facilities, childcare, and legal aid to empower its members economically and socially.
4. The organization has been instrumental in advocating for policy changes at both local and national levels to address issues faced by women in the informal sector.
5. Through collective bargaining and self-help groups, SEWA helps women gain access to better wages, job security, and improved working conditions.

Review Questions

• How does SEWA impact the economic status of women working in the informal sector?
  • SEWA significantly impacts the economic status of women in the informal sector by providing access to essential services such as microfinance, healthcare, and legal assistance. By organizing these women into a collective body, SEWA empowers them to advocate for their rights and negotiate better wages and working conditions. This support not only improves their individual economic status but also strengthens their bargaining power as a group.
• Evaluate the role of microfinance within SEWA and its importance for women’s economic development.
  • Microfinance plays a critical role within SEWA by offering small loans to women who typically lack access to traditional banking services. This financial support enables women to start or expand small businesses, thereby generating income and promoting economic independence. The availability of credit helps women invest in their skills and education, ultimately contributing to broader economic development goals in their communities.
• Discuss the broader implications of SEWA's work on women's empowerment and economic development in India.
  • SEWA's work has far-reaching implications for women's empowerment and economic development in India by challenging traditional gender roles and promoting women's rights in the workforce. Through its initiatives, SEWA not only uplifts individual women but also contributes to changing societal perceptions about women's contributions to the economy. This shift has led to increased recognition of women's roles in development and has influenced policies aimed at improving labor conditions and rights for all women across the country.

Related terms

Informal Sector: The part of the economy that is not monitored or regulated by the government, often including self-employed individuals and small businesses.

Microfinance:

Financial services that provide small loans to individuals, particularly those who do not have access to traditional banking systems, often used to support entrepreneurial ventures.

Women’s Empowerment: The process of increasing the social, economic, and political strength of women, enabling them to make choices and have control over their lives.