SEWA

SEWA Bank arose from a group of disadvantaged self-employed women in Ahmedabad, members of the Self-Employed Women's Association (SEWA). In 1974, they sought to establish their own financial institution due to pressing financial needs. Motivated by the need for capital, the desire to escape exploitative moneylenders, and the search for secure savings options, they acted as promoters, gathering share capital to start the bank. Only two out of fifteen promoters were not low-income, marking the beginning of microfinance in 1974. The bank aimed to address challenges like lack of working capital and asset ownership faced by self-employed women, allowing them to enhance their work and productivity. With 4,000 women contributing Rs.10/- each, the Mahila SEWA Co-operative Bank was born, registered in May 1974 and supervised by the Reserve Bank of India and the State Government. Since then, it has grown into a thriving institution, serving impoverished, unschooled self-employed women.

SEWA Insurance, operated by the National Insurance VimoSEWA Cooperative Ltd., is a multi-state cooperative pioneered by SEWA, striving to extend social protection to informal sector women workers and their families. This autonomous insurance entity stands as a comprehensive, multi-product, full-service platform, where women members actively participate as users, owners, and managers of all services. Going beyond mere insurance provision, the program is rooted in principles that embrace financial security, mutual support, self-reliance, integrated services, and policy advocacy. The range of products offered includes SARAL SURAKSHA YOJNA, focusing on safeguarding families vulnerable to livelihood loss; LIFE COVERAGE SCHEME, which covers natural and accidental death scenarios of the insured policyholder; SWASTHA PARIWAR, providing basic health coverage for medical expenses during hospitalization; and SAVING LINK SCHEME, catering to natural and accidental deaths alongside maturity benefits

SEWA Mahila Housing Trust is dedicated to improving urban environments in poor communities through collective action. Since its establishment in 1994, it empowers women to exercise civic rights and lead habitat improvement initiatives. By collaborating with communities and local Governments, it advances access to services, promotes climate resilience, and strengthens participatory governance. Operating in 9 Indian states, it ensures service access and amplifies voices in urban planning. MHT's efforts have gained recognition, receiving awards like the Ashden Award for Cooling in Informal Settlements and the UN Global Climate Action Award for Women’s Climate Resilience.

The SEWA Academy, known as the Indian Academy for Self-Employed Women, empowers women and girls through education, capacity building, leadership training, communications, and research, striving to enhance their dignity, well-being, and self-representation. Their success is measured by achieving goals like full employment, increased income, adequate nutrition, improved health, childcare, secure housing, enhanced assets, organizational strength, leadership skills, self-reliance, and literacy among their members. The Academy offers a unique learning experience, embracing interactive and participatory methods in areas such as education, health, environment, and society. Their flexible course content evolves to address students' needs and incorporates strategies like discussions, demonstrations, and participatory exercises, tailored to individual roles within families and communities. With a focus on holistic development and social entrepreneurship, the Academy fosters growth and leadership