Indian Academy for Self Employed Women

Since its inception in 1991, the Indian Academy for Self Employed Women (formerly known as SEWA Academy) has been instrumental in driving change and strengthening women’s capacities toward self-reliance and full employment.

We serve as a dedicated platform for educating women workers in the informal sector, providing resources and space for their comprehensive development.

Activities & Services

What we do

Training

Training is one of our strategies to increase employability of our members, to prevent their crowding into low-paid, unskilled employment, in limited occupations, and to promote upward mobility and improve their status as women workers.

EDP

Our Exposure Dialogue Programme (EDP) aims to bridge the knowledge gap between impoverished women workers and those who make decisions that impact their lives, such as government officials, policymakers, researchers, and social activists.

Research

Our research initiatives are dedicated to guiding action and bringing about positive change for women in the informal economy, by influencing policies and advocate for their rights and welfare.

Literacy

Our literacy programs are a part of our commitment to making education accessible for all. We understand that every woman’s journey to literacy is unique, and address this through curriculum that resonates with participants’ real-life experiences and needs, delivered in the language that they understand.

Communication

Through print and electronic media, we aim to connect self-employed women to each other, to the public, to policy makers and to other government officials. Our platforms work towards sharing the organization’s work and research, educating members, and expanding membership.

Impact created in the last 30 years

360+

Research Studies

300+

Publications

500K+

Women Trained

50+

EDPs Conducted

515+

Films Produced

2.5M+

Members Trained

Our Work

Accross Three Generations

Our work with Youth

Our work with children and adolescent girls to equip them with skills and knowledge to expand their horizons into the mainstream economy.

Our work with Adults

Our work with women of the informal sector to develop self-reliance and self-identity, and develop into empowered members of the work force.

Our work with Seniors

Our work with the first generation of SEWA members who have transitioned into their senior years to provide them with awareness, assistance, and support to live a healthy retired life.

GEOGRAPHICAL FOOTPRINT

Where we work

With its roots and head office in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, IASEW’s programs and activities are spread in 14 districts in Gujarat and across 12 states in India.


We also have footprints in 14 countries across the world.

Our work contributes towards advancing the Sustainable Development Goals

Our Partner Organizations through the years

Support our Mission

Every organisation and every person has the capacity to make a concrete difference in informal workers  lives. Your contribution makes a tangible impact to our cause, providing resources for education, training, and advocacy programs. Join us in our efforts towards building a dignified future for all.