Self Employed Women's Association

𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀: 𝗦𝗘𝗪𝗔’𝘀 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗴𝗻!! SEWA’s National Agriculture Campaign recently marked a significant milestone by convening the National Agriculture Trade Committee Meeting. This pivotal gathering, led by SEWA’s General Secretary, Jyotiben Macwan, and Vice President, Heenaben Dave, brought together 60 agricultural workers and grassroots leaders from 15 states, underscoring SEWA’s commitment to transforming smallholder farming into sustainable and profitable enterprises. Since 1985, over two-thirds of SEWA’s members is rural, with agriculture as a primary trade. These small and marginal farmers face severe challenges, including relentless climate and market shocks. Despite their relentless effort and investment, the haunting question persists: "Why does the farmer remain hungry?" To address this, SEWA launched its National Agriculture Campaign in 1985 that focuses on capacity building, access to agro-inputs and technology, finance, and markets. The campaign aims to transform smallholder farms into resilient enterprises. "In our snow-clad regions, we only have six months for cultivation," shared Rukaiyaben from Kashmir, highlighting the geographic and seasonal challenges that restrict agricultural activities. In response, SEWA promotes upskilling in non-agricultural sectors to provide alternative livelihoods, enhancing economic stability across diverse regions. The expanded scope of the 'National Agricultural Campaign' now includes fisheries and animal husbandry, reflecting the varied agricultural practices among SEWA’s members. A visit to SEWA’s Green Village and participation in district-level agricultural trade committee meetings showcased sustainable practices and a participatory approach, deeply resonating with participants like Reenaben from Uttarakhand: "Participating in the agricultural trade committee meeting was a revelation. It’s the first time I’ve seen such a participatory process in action." The meeting also addressed the critical intersection of agriculture and climate change, culminating in a strategic session facilitated that focused on integrating climate resilience into farming practices through data collection, locally led adaptation measures, legislative changes, and environmental awareness. Plans were laid for nationwide training on forming Agricultural Trade Committees, emphasizing a grassroots participatory approach. Deep discussions on SEWA’s Building Cleaner Skies campaign further highlighted the integration of climate adaptation and mitigation into agricultural practices, ensuring that farming not only endures but thrives against the backdrop of climate challenges. Join us in supporting these initiatives that empower women and strengthen agrarian communities against the challenges of today and tomorrow. #SEWA #KhetiJhumbesh #SustainableAgriculture #ClimateAction #BuildingCleanerSkies

SEWA's founder Ela Bhatt used to say.... "Woman’s productive work is the thread that weaves a society together. When you have work, you have an incentive to maintain a stable society. You not only think of the future, but you plan for the future. You can build assets that reduce your vulnerability. You can invest in the next generation. Work builds peace, because work gives people roots, it builds communities and it gives meaning and dignity to one’s life.”

𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐕𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐭: 𝐒𝐄𝐖𝐀’𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬!! As temperatures soar, street vendors like Kalaben from Abad city find themselves grappling with the harsh realities of climate change. "Every morning, I set up my fruit stall, but the extreme heat makes them stale very quickly. With fewer customers braving the heat and the constant need for water to keep my fruits fresh and myself hydrated, my income has halved this summer," she shares. The relentless sun not only affects sales but poses severe health risks. Shobhaben, another street vendor, adds, "The sun above and the hot asphalt below make it unbearable. We constantly need to drink water, but can carry only limited amount from home. Our limited sales make it impossible to buy refreshments regularly." Recognizing these challenges, under it Building Cleaner Skies campaign, SEWA focuses on equipping these vendors with innovative solutions to mitigate the impacts of heatwaves. Through this initiative, SEWA’s members have introduced adaptation measures such as filling of polythene bags with water and pricking to create low-cost vegetable sprayer, cooler boxes for storing perishable items, Umbrellas for protection against direct sunlight, Water Jugs to ensure hydration, Mobile Carts to keep products off the heated ground. Additionally, SEWA is also collaborating with academic institutes on a pivotal study to understand the microclimates and physiological responses of working women in extreme heat. This research is crucial for developing targeted interventions that can significantly improve the working conditions of women in the informal sector. Jignasaben, a vendor from Abad city highlights the collaborative efforts with local governments, "SEWA is working with the local government to redesign our natural markets to include essential amenities like shade, water, plantation and toilets. This shows the potential of effective collaboration between governments and workers' organizations in combating climate impacts." As we move forward, SEWA is committed to empowering street vendors by enhancing their ability to thrive despite the escalating temperatures, ensuring their health, livelihoods, and dignity remain intact. #SEWA #ClimateResilience #StreetVendors #SustainableCities #AdaptationStrategies

𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐭: 𝐒𝐄𝐖𝐀'𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞-𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬!! Extreme heat profoundly impacts the livelihoods of home-based workers – especially women workers from the informal economy. As temperatures climb, productivity plummets, and earnings drop by up to 50%, leaving these workers struggling in stifling indoor environments. Anitaben from Ahmedabad shares, "Our work efficiency decreases with every degree rise in temperature, leading to a significant loss in income." SEWA’s Building Cleaner Skies campaign addresses these challenges head-on by equipping women with tools and strategies to mitigate the impact of heatwaves. "The relentless heat worsens our living conditions, pushing us towards desperation," reveals Mausinaben from Aziznagar, highlighting the psychological strain that accompanies financial stress. Therefore, the campaign not only focuses on physical adaptations but also on supporting the mental well-being of these workers. Some such adaptations piloted by SEWA’s members under the campaign to enhance the work environments of home-based workers and reduce energy as well as medical expenses while extending productive hours include Cool Roof paints, installation of Skylights (ujasiya), adoption of Solar Fans and Lanterns, awareness and education on increased consumption of juicy fruits, ORS, lemon juice, buttermilk etc. Additionally, SEWA is also collaborating with academic institutions to conduct a detailed study using environmental sensors and wearable technologies. This research aims to gather comprehensive data on how heat affects these women in their specific working environments, providing a basis to evaluate and refine adaptation strategies effectively. Embracing their motto, "Hum Sab Ek Hai... We Shall Overcome," SEWA's members are united in their commitment to combat climate challenges together. Join us in supporting these vital efforts that empower home-based workers to thrive despite the escalating heat, ensuring a sustainable and resilient future. #SEWA #ClimateResilience #WomensEmpowerment #SustainableLivelihoods #BuildingCleanerSkies

𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐀𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬: 𝐒𝐄𝐖𝐀 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫'𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬!! Through its Building Cleaner Skies Campaign, SEWA is committed to empowering women by enhancing their ability to tackle climate change impacts on their lives and livelihoods and build their climate resilience. “Poor do not need charity; they need innovative financing solutions and an enabling environment,” has been SEWA’s experience working with poor women over the past 5 decades. At SEWA, we understand that the increasing frequency and severity of climate shocks demand robust solutions, not just aid. Therefore, the campaign not only raises awareness about the challenges posed by climate change but also supports pilot implementations of adaptation and resilience-building measures specifically designed by the members to strengthen their climate action. One such pivotal aspect of piloted by SEWA’s members is to develop innovative financing solutions that empower women to effectively manage and recover from climate shocks. Join us in supporting these critical initiatives that boost the climate resilience of women, enabling them to effectively manage climate risks and prosper. Together, we're working towards a resilient future for all. #SEWA #SEWAEmpowers #ClimateResilience #WomenInClimateAction #BuildingCleanerSkies

𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐒𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐍𝐞𝐭: 𝐒𝐄𝐖𝐀’𝐬 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝𝐬 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧’𝐬 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐬!! "The severe heat makes it unbearable to work, but we cannot just stop; our families depend on it," says a SEWA member from Gujarat, echoing the sentiments of many women facing the harsh realities of climate change. The frequent and intense climate shocks have not only threatened their livelihoods but have also endangered their health and the well-being of their children. With the rallying cry "Hum Sab Ek Hai… We shall overcome," SEWA members resolved to intensify their focus on climate action during the celebration of SEWA's 50th anniversary in 2022. The "Building Clean Skies" campaign was born out of this collective determination, aiming to foster environmental stewardship and resilience among its members. A pivotal component of this initiative is the Women’s Climate Shock Insurance (WCSI), which offers financial security to women workers against climate shocks. The innovative insurance model provides pay-outs when temperatures exceed a predetermined threshold, offering a financial cushion that allows women to protect their health and maintain their families during peak heat periods. This year, with temperatures soaring across Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, the piloted insurance was triggered in 17 districts, benefiting 46,339 women. "I received INR 1,656 from the insurance pay-out in Dungarpur," shares a relieved SEWA member. "It helped me seek medical care without dipping into my savings or falling prey to high-interest loans." Additionally, all 50,000 enrolled members received INR 400 in cash assistance, helping them mitigate income losses during less severe but still harmful temperature spikes. "The cash assistance was a lifesaver," mentions Hasinaben, a home-based worker from Ahmedabad. "During the heat, I earn less, making it tough to manage basic expenses. This year, the insurance pay-out will ensure my children’s education continues unhindered." These interventions underscore SEWA’s commitment to securing not just the financial but also the physical well-being of its members. By integrating livelihood security with environmental and health safeguards, SEWA is setting a sustainable path forward for its members. Join SEWA in its mission to empower women, promoting resilience and sustainability in the face of climate challenges. Together, we strengthen the fabric of our communities and ensure no one has to choose between their health and their livelihood. #SEWA #ClimateAction #WomenEmpowerment #BuildingCleanerSkies #ResilientCommunities

𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧, 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞: 𝐒𝐄𝐖𝐀'𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐩𝐮𝐫!! At the core of SEWA’s mission is the transformative approach of "Women, Work, and Peace," which asserts that empowering women is central to fostering community stability and development. Elaben Bhatt, SEWA’s founder, encapsulated this philosophy by saying, "Women are the key to building a community... In a woman, we get a worker, a provider, a caretaker, an educator, and a networker. She is a forger of bonds—she is a creator and a preserver.” This belief drives SEWA’s efforts to integrate women's empowerment with peace-building, especially in regions disrupted by conflict, ensuring that women are at the forefront of crafting sustainable futures for their communities. In Manipur, recognizing the critical role women play in crisis recovery, SEWA embarked on a journey to empower the most affected women. Through its visits to over 20 relief camps across districts such as Imphal East and West, Bishnupur, Kakching, and Churachandpur, SEWA identified a pressing need for economic rehabilitation and leadership opportunities for women. Following these assessments, SEWA initiated a tailored 12-day training program for women from the relief camps of Bishnupur and Kakching districts, transforming them into bakery master trainers. This program not only equipped them with bakery and confectionery skills but also imbued them with vital entrepreneurial and leadership abilities to foster economic independence and community resilience. Dayaben from Bishnupur reflected on her experience, "When I arrived, I was anxious. But SEWA provided a safe-haven where I learned and grew. Now, I am ready to lead other women in our camps, helping us earn a livelihood and nourish our community through our bakery products." These efforts underline SEWA’s commitment to its foundational belief that women are indispensable in leading their communities toward peace and stability. By empowering them with skills and economic opportunities, SEWA helps to rebuild conflict-affected areas, promoting a culture of peace through sustainable livelihoods. Join us in supporting these brave women as they work towards a peaceful and prosperous future. #SEWA #WomenEmpowerment #PeaceBuilding #EconomicDevelopment #SustainableLivelihoods

Our experience of over 5 decades has shown that climate shocks are indeed unjust.... towards the poor women workers from informal economy... Join us as SEWA's director, Reema Nanavaty shares these issues and challenges faced by these poor... but also their climate action... how these very poor women through their "Building Cleaner Skies" campaign are working towards building a just and sustainable climate for all... #sewa #buildingcleanerskies #womenempowerment #womenclimateaction

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐬𝐭: 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐄𝐱𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬!! "Every night, the heat keeps us awake, making us irritable and exhausted," shares a member from Ratiben, a SEWA member from Uttar Pradesh. The relentless heat burns into the minds and livelihoods of countless women across India. Imagine the daily torment of a street vendor under searing heat, a construction worker gasping for breath, or a salt-pan worker blistering her hands on heated tools. These extreme temperatures push their mental health to the brink, exacerbating stress, anxiety, and a profound sense of helplessness. Financial strain only intensifies the mental burden. As heat-related disruptions push families deeper into poverty, many are forced to take high-interest loans to cover basic needs. The compounded effect of physical discomfort, mental strain, and financial pressure can lead to severe mental health issues. "The heat affects everything—from sleep to daily stresses. It's hard to concentrate and cope," says Jayshreeben, another SEWA member, highlighting the broader impacts of heat on mental well-being. The impact on livelihoods is equally devastating. Imagine a street vendor under the relentless sun, her wares wilting; a construction worker struggling to breathe in the scorching heat; a salt-pan worker using heated metal tools that blister her hands. Each degree of temperature rise translates into lost work hours, reduced productivity, and financial hardship. "Soaring temperatures make it almost impossible to work, but if I don't, how will I feed my family?" shares Sunitaben, a construction worker from Gujarat. The extreme heat not only threatens physical health with conditions like heat cramps, exhaustion, and stroke but also significantly deteriorates living conditions. "Inside our homes, the tin roofs turn them into ovens. It's unbearable, not only for us but also for our poor cattle." explains Revaben, a agricultural laborer from Anand, Gujarat. Harsh weather conditions further complicate access to potable water in rural areas, leading to health problems such as dehydration and infections. In response to these severe challenges, SEWA’s Building Cleaner Skies campaign is crucial. It promotes sustainable solutions and advocates for improved working conditions and access to healthcare. By addressing these urgent needs, we can safeguard the well-being, dignity, and economic stability of these resilient women. Join us in recognizing the urgent need for collective action to mitigate the impacts of extreme heat, ensuring that our communities are not only surviving but thriving. Join us to strengthen our “Building Cleaner Skies” Campaign. #SEWA #ExtremeHeatImpact #HealthAndLivelihood #ClimateResilience #Buildingcleanerskies

𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗡'𝘀 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀!! “I sow, I harvest, I cook, I feed. The entire food system would come to a halt without us and yet we do not have any visibility,” shares Shardaben Zala, a smallholder farmer from Arvalli, Gujarat. Her words echo the challenges faced by women smallholder farmers globally, who are the unsung backbones of their households and agriculture. Despite their critical role in sustaining food systems, socio-cultural barriers and patriarchal norms often render them invisible, without a voice or recognized identity as farmers. This lack of recognition exacerbates the challenges posed by climate change, market volatility, and land fragmentation, making agriculture increasingly unsustainable and forcing men and youth to abandon farming. As a result, women are left to shoulder the agricultural responsibilities, yet without formal recognition as farmers, they struggle to access essential resources like certified seeds, fertilizers, government schemes, and disaster relief. For over four decades, SEWA has been committed to organizing women small farmers to strengthen their agricultural practices, improve access to markets and finance, and most importantly, enhance women’s agency and decision-making power. In our continuous effort to bring global recognition to these indispensable contributors, SEWA has collaborated with multilateral organizations such as the FAO, IFAD, and WFP. Relentless advocacy of Farmer organizations like SEWA and the collective voice of countless women farmers like Shardaben has led to a monumental acknowledgment by the global community. The UN General Assembly, supported by the FAO, has declared 2026 as the International Year of Women Farmers. This declaration is a significant milestone that resonates deeply with SEWA’s mission, underscoring the vital role of women in agriculture and their deservingness of recognition, support, and empowerment. SEWA celebrates this declaration as it marks a crucial step towards addressing the disparities faced by women in agriculture. It not only acknowledges their contributions but also commits to fostering an environment where women farmers can thrive and lead sustainable, profitable, and viable agricultural activities. This recognition is more than symbolic—it's a call to action for policy-makers, organizations, and communities worldwide to ensure that women farmers receive the support they need to flourish as equal partners in agriculture. #SEWA #WomenFarmers #SustainableAgriculture #UNGA #Agriculture