Our Literacy Education Program for Women is more than just classes; it’s a transformative journey towards empowerment, self-reliance, and community building.
At the Indian Academy for Self Employed Women (IASEW), we recognize that every woman's path to literacy is unique. By involving local women leaders (Sanchalikas) in the teaching process, our program ensures that the curriculum is tailored to participants’ real-life experiences and practical needs. With a nominal cost, we are dedicated to making accessible literacy education for women a reality for all.
This literacy education program for women goes beyond reading and writing. It acts as a powerful catalyst for change, fostering initiatives like the Akashganga Club, Cultural Programmes, Mobile Van outreach, community libraries, Kaushalya Kendras, and over 61 successful educational campaigns. The Literacy Department takes full responsibility for driving these impactful activities, which are rooted in enhancing opportunities for self-employed women.
Our Literacy Education Program for Women continues to empower individuals, enrich communities, and inspire a brighter future for women across the nation.
Historically, the immediate need for survival overshadowed the value of literacy among women. This was evident in the low demand for the initial literacy classes offered by SEWA in the mid-1970s.
However, a significant shift occurred in 1992 when a community member passionately voiced the collective desire for literacy, leading to the revitalization of these classes to include women of all ages and literacy levels.
Our Literacy Education for Women programs provide a comprehensive, practical approach to learning, focusing on functional literacy, social issue awareness, access to government resources, and digital literacy.
n line with IASEW’s focus on member-centred learning, teachers from within the community undergo extensive training and meet regularly with supervisors. Classes, limited to 20 participants and lasting six months, are held at convenient times for students, either at a teacher’s or supervisor’s home or at a SEWA centre.
The curriculum is thoughtfully developed to combine practical life skills with basic literacy. Interactive activities such as role-play, discussions, exercises, songs, and games make the learning process engaging and impactful. Celebrations and experience sharing are integral to fostering a supportive environment. The Literacy Education for Women programs culminate in a formal examination, a recognized certification, and a commemorative group photograph, celebrating the participants’ achievements and their journey toward empowerment.
Our centres churning out skilled professionals
Initially focused on foundational training for SEWA members, increasing demand has led to the introduction of vocational training under Kaushalya Kendras (Skill and Knowledge Centers).
A lot of study and care has gone into identifying the kind of vocational skills that should be imparted, the places where the training should take place, and in finding sympathetic and skilled instructors. These centres, situated in various neighbourhoods, offer a range of courses, from beautician skills to computer literacy, symbolising our belief in the importance of combining practical skills with literacy education. These kinds of training involve a concentrated effort for long durations, usually one year, for each batch of trained women.
These trainings have become the basis for establishing production units and the pre-cooperative phases in different occupations, which have ultimately led to the formation of registered cooperatives of women workers. Capacity building has become an ongoing activity for the cooperative members before and after registration.
Presently there are 11 Kaushalya Kendras, situated in both urban and rural areas in Ahmedabad, Fatehwadi, Sarkhej, Vejalpur, Amraiwadi, Nobel Nagar, Vadaj, Hansol, Shankara Bhuvana, Chamanpura and Vatva. They are the epicentres of skill development and literacy education. The Kendras have become safe spaces for women and girls, fostering learning, relaxation, and social networking.
A platform to shape adolescent minds
Emerging from our Literacy Classes, the Akashganga Clubs offer adolescent girls a space to dream, learn, and grow. Born from the aspirations of both mothers and daughters who participated in our Literacy Classes, these clubs have become pivotal in shaping the lives of young women. At present, we have 50 running Akashganga clubs.
As the movement has evolved, so has the range of activities from traditional arts to modern skills like self-defence and dance, contributing to the psychological and social empowerment of its participants. The clubs operate in safe, nurturing environments like the IASEW building and our Kaushalya Kendras.
The positive impacts of Akashganga are manifold – From improved health and academic performance to the development of savings habits and the acquisition of scholarships. At this crucial adolescent stage, the club has become a cornerstone in nurturing the next generation of empowered women.
Bringing communities together
At the core of our movement, the Cultural Programme stands as a powerful tool for
communication and empowerment.
Its effectiveness lies in its ability to draw women out of their homes, providing a platform to showcase their talents and skills. More than just a performance, these cultural events are a platform for women to showcase their talents, offering both entertainment and a sense of community.
The Programme is multifaceted, featuring activities like role plays, dances, and singing, all integral to Indian culture. Music, in particular, has always been a vital medium for sharing information and attracting audiences. By engaging in these cultural expressions, women not only display their abilities but also create awareness, spread important messages, and educate others in an appealing and memorable way.
Helping us reach every household
Since 2009, our Mobile Van initiative has been enhancing the reach of our literacy and other activities through urban areas.
The Van, equipped with an LCD-TV, broadcasts the Rudi no Radio signature tune, drawing attention and ensuring maximum outreach. It is operated almost four to five times a week in different areas. This approach not only delivers educational content but also facilitates direct interaction and feedback, understanding and addressing community needs.
The Mobile Van has become a dynamic tool for delivering education, capacity building, and connecting women, enhancing our understanding of urban needs and empowering communities through face-to-face engagement.
Health Camps
Organised
Informal Workers
Trained
Summer camps
Organised
Skill Development Classes Organised
Senior Citizens
Assisted
Informal women gained
access to govt. schemes
Participants engaged in Akash Ganga
Number of women enrolled in NIOS
Participants educated through mobile vans
Awareness Generation
Campaigns
Kaushalya Kendra
Participants
Participants celebrated
Cultural Fest & Diversity
Participants Digitally
Empowered
Participants educated through mobile vans
Informal Workers are
functional Literate
Teachers trained on
functional literacy
Classes
Organised
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 literacy education for women, training, and advocacy programs. Join us in our efforts towards building a dignified future for all.
IASEW is the focal point for all of SEWA’s training, capacity building, research and communication efforts.