Self Employed Women's Association (SEWA)

Definition

The Self Employed Women's Association (SEWA) is a trade union in India dedicated to empowering women workers who are engaged in the informal sector. It focuses on providing them with rights, social security, and access to various resources, which are often denied due to the nature of their employment. SEWA plays a crucial role in global campaigns for women's rights and gender equality by advocating for policies that improve the socio-economic conditions of these women and by providing them with a platform to organize and voice their needs.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Founded in 1972, SEWA aims to organize women workers in the informal sector to achieve their rights and improve their livelihoods.
2. SEWA has more than 2 million members across various sectors, including agriculture, textiles, and street vending, making it one of the largest women’s organizations in India.
3. The organization provides a range of services such as health care, financial literacy programs, and legal aid to help empower its members.
4. SEWA has been influential in policy advocacy at both local and national levels, pushing for legislation that protects the rights of informal workers.
5. The success of SEWA has inspired similar movements around the world, highlighting the importance of collective action among women for economic and social justice.

Review Questions

• How does SEWA address the unique challenges faced by women in the informal sector?
  • SEWA tackles the challenges faced by women in the informal sector by providing them with a unified platform to organize and advocate for their rights. The association focuses on offering services such as health care, financial literacy, and legal assistance to support its members' livelihoods. By addressing these issues collectively, SEWA empowers women to negotiate better working conditions and promotes their socio-economic development.
• In what ways has SEWA influenced policy-making related to women's rights in India?
  • SEWA has played a significant role in influencing policy-making by actively advocating for legislation that protects the rights of informal workers. Their efforts have led to increased recognition of the contributions of women in the informal economy, pushing for policies that ensure better working conditions and access to social security. This advocacy work not only benefits SEWA members but also sets a precedent for broader changes in labor laws impacting all informal workers.
• Evaluate the impact of SEWA's model on global movements for women's rights and gender equality.
  • SEWA's model has had a substantial impact on global movements for women's rights by demonstrating how grassroots organizing can lead to effective advocacy and empowerment. The association's focus on economic justice and collective action has inspired similar initiatives worldwide, highlighting the necessity of addressing women's issues within the informal economy. By showcasing successful strategies for mobilization and support, SEWA encourages other organizations to adopt similar approaches in their pursuit of gender equality.

Related terms

Informal Sector: Economic activities that are not regulated by the government or covered by labor laws, often characterized by a lack of formal contracts and job security.

Microfinance: Financial services, including small loans, provided to low-income individuals or groups who typically lack access to traditional banking services.

Women's Empowerment: The process of increasing the spiritual, political, social, educational, gender, or economic strength of individuals and communities, particularly women.