Communication

IASEW’s communications aim to connect self-employed women to each other, to the public, to policymakers, and to other government officials.

Community Radio Programs For Women is our platform for – Sharing the organisation’s work and research, educating members, fostering dialogues and expanding membership. Through IASEW’s various platforms, workers are able to obtain information on various issues – legal, health, employment, nutrition, and government policies and programmes, for the self- employed, including national development plans and programmes..

To achieve this, our communications strategy uses both print and electronic media. Our ongoing initiatives in print media include Anasooya Magazine and Akashganga Magazine. IASEW’s electronic communication media includes Video SEWA, Rudi no Radio and IT- centres.

As the movement grows, the variety and expertise of communication tools evolve, with new ways being discovered and utilised.

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Women Self Employed Video Training

Video SEWA has been operating since 1984. It was the first tool used for capacity building and empowerment, and has been immensely successful in sharing information within the movement. Video SEWA has produced countless tapes and more than a hundred programmes on organising, training and advocacy. These tapes reach villagers and slum dwellers in Gujarat as well as policy makers in Delhi and Washington. The technology is easily accessible to both literate and illiterate women, and the entertainment component aids their understanding. The documentaries and video-education provided by Video SEWA increase visibility for self-employed women both inside and outside the movement. The foundation was laid when Ela Bhatt participated in the first international meeting of the Video Village Network in Mali in 1982, and Video SEWA was established two years later in 1984. Although the programs cover various issues, early productions lacked editing facilities. This changed in 1987 after an editing workshop with Martha Stuart. The experience allowed for more sophisticated video production. Today, as a cooperative managed, run, and owned by women, Video SEWA serves multiple purposes—from organising and advocacy to training and education. It bridges the digital divide, providing technology to marginalised women and documenting their stories and struggles. The films have none of the glamour and finesse associated with mainstream media. But they do offer acuteness, authenticity and a deep understanding of the subjects they portray, amplifying the voices of those at the lowest rung of the social ladder.
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Watch our Videos

Types of Video Services we Offer

  • Training of grassroots videographers
  • Video production of documentaries (This includes script writing, storyboarding, filming, editing, and post-production)
  • Short film production
  • Video and audio editing
  • Voiceover recording services
  • Video documentation services for meetings, conferences, seminars, and social events
  • Grassroots journalism training
  • Photography training
  • Communication training

Impact created in the last 30 years

515

Films Produced on working
class people

1,500

Video Replays on Social Media
Handles

1 Million+

Women have watched our videos

15,703

Episodes produced and Broadcasted

Community Radio Programs For Women

Radio is a perfect match for the SEWA movement, offering a cost-effective way to reach a wide audience. It is particularly effective for the mostly illiterate self-employed women, providing information, empowerment, and awareness.  Radio also helps connect women who cannot leave their homes, educating and inspiring women from various backgrounds.

Rudi-no-Radio: Our Community Radio Station

The concept of Rudi no Radio emerged to create a radio station specifically for the movement, though initially, resources were limited. The Gujarat earthquake in 2001, where radio was the primary communication tool, motivated the process. After conducting a needs assessment and training with the government-run radio station Aakashvani, Rudi no Radio was launched in April 2005. The station focuses on women’s issues and experiences, broadcasting programs that resonate with their needs. Rudi no Radio has a broad listenership and operates its own studio.

Community radio stations have proven to be an effective medium for the movement. In 2002, the Indian government’s policy on community radio stations opened up new opportunities for us. Especially in rural areas, where radio is a common communication tool, these stations play a vital role in empowering women and addressing social issues.

Types of Radio Services we Offer

     1. Programmes Production Service

  • Providing radio program production services (conceptualising and developing the content, producing and broadcasting the program)
  • Scriptwriting (including dramas, talk shows, news programs, and documentaries.)
  • Voice recording (including commercials and jingles)
  • Audio editing and mixing
  • Music recording
  • Music and cultural programs
  • Broadcasting and narrowcasting

    2. Training and Consultation Service

  • Training Radio Jockeys for Community Radio Stations
  • Program production training and workshops
  • Consultation and workshops on setting up a community radio station
  • Participatory radio programming that includes narrowcasting and phone-in Programme

Impact created in the last 30 years

515

Films Produced on working
class people

1,500

Video Replays on Social Media
Handles

1 Million+

Women have watched our videos

15,703

Episodes produced and Broadcasted

IT Centre

The Gramin Kaushalya Shikshan Sanchar Mahiti Kendra, better known as our IT Centre offers connectivity and online training for rural women. 

It operates daily and provides a platform for women to exchange information on various topics, including health, training, and awareness programs. The IT-Centre is an effective tool for increasing employment and access to internet technology in rural areas.

I have little education and am a farmer. Before, I didn’t even know how to use a computer, but now I’m working in an IT-Center, operating equipment. I am very impressed with my growth.

Bharti Ben, a proud member of IASEW

Anasooya - Our very own Fortnightly Newsletter

Anasooya, SEWA’s own bimonthly newsletter, began in 1982 to leverage the power of written words. It is a forum to present the experiences, ideas and work of informal sector women workers. It serves as a link between SEWA members and other self employed workers across various geographical, social and cultural boundaries. Published in Gujarati, the newsletter brings women’s issues to the macro level. 

Anasooya has evolved from a printed to digital version, with training programs enabling women to write their own stories. The newsletter has influenced government policies and campaigns, demonstrating the power of media in advocacy. 

Akashganga Magazine

Akashganga Magazine, published by Anasooya Trust, is a monthly publication written by and for adolescent girls. It features a variety of content including news, health, history, science, puzzles, and stories. 

The girls themselves are the writers, artists and editors. They contribute their own artwork, stories, quizzes, puzzles,poems and articles covering a wide variety of subjects, including information on health, history and science

The magazine is affordable and accessible, available in Kaushalya Kendras libraries and through the Akashganga Club. It empowers young women, giving them a voice and platform to share their experiences and dreams.

Support our Mission

Every organization 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 Community Radio Programs For Women, Women Self Employed Video Training, education, and advocacy programs. Join us in our efforts towards building a dignified future for all.