Those who put others forward as leaders are the true leaders.

- Elaben Bhatt, Founder of SEWA

Our Story

The Indian Academy for Self Employed Women (formerly SEWA Academy) began its activities in 1991 and became a self-governed body in 2005. Since its inception, IASEW has been instrumental in driving change and strengthening women’s capacities toward self-reliance and full employment. Created to meet the capacity-building needs of poor working women in the informal sector, our activities extend across 14 districts in Gujarat and 12 states in India. 

IASEW serves as a dedicated platform for educating women workers in the informal sector, providing resources and space for their comprehensive development. Through all its endeavours, IASEW strives to enhance education, leadership development, and self-reliance among women members.

The Academy has enhanced skills and knowledge crucial for productive employment and has reached a large number of women excluded from the formal education system. Innovative approaches and mechanisms have been developed to cater to their needs within the informal or alternative system. 
IASEW aims to empower women by building capacities to strengthen livelihood opportunities and by making them aware of the importance of their work contributions and the need for social security in their lives. Additionally, IASEW contributes to organising and increasing capacities and skills of women workers by providing them exposure to both non-formal and formal education and skill training.

The organisation also gives special attention to the interests of the younger generation and the demands of the market. A large proportion of young women lack opportunities for higher education, employment, or skill-based training, which are essential for accessing mainstream job opportunities. With this in mind, the Indian Academy provides training in skills that build upon the educational levels of girls in impoverished areas, offering them a foothold in the job market.

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Meet Our IASEW Team

Our team consists of grassroot workers and consultants - The ‘bens’ (sisters) who act as the brains and voice of the movement.

Over 80% of our organisers come from humble beginnings in the grassroot sector. We see each of them as true professionals, not just because of their roles, but because of the unique wisdom and insights they bring from their life experiences. We are then joined by consultants who add their professional expertise to our mix. 

This blend of grassroots wisdom and professional knowledge has turned our team into a nurturing hub of learning. We're more than just colleagues; we're a family learning and growing together, each bringing something special to the table. 

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Timeline

Our journey through 30 years of empowerment

We started in 1991 as SEWA Academy, a small initiative with a big dream, by integrating our team of Trainers, Researchers and Communicators from within the community and from outside.

Over the years we grew, developed and then became IASEW (Indian Academy for Self Employed Women) in 2005 — a training centre connecting our local needs, national needs and international programmes.

In 2016, we celebrated 25 years since our inception with the release of our Handbook.

From the beginning until now, our hearts, heads and hands have been working together keeping the women at the centre of our focus. We take pride in our role of connecting them with the outer world by through a rich exchange of knowledge, wisdom, and support.

1991-1995

The early 90s marked the inception of IASEW, with significant milestones such as the first Cadre Training session and the establishment of Research and Video SEWA. Initiatives like literacy classes and participation in the DWCRA program laid the groundwork for empowering women in the informal sector.

1996-2000

During this period, IASEW expanded its reach with the formation of Shri Mahila SEWA Anasooya Trust and the initiation of various training programs for grassroots researchers, health workers, and childcare workers. The organisation's collaboration with international partners like the Institute of Social Studies and GTZ Germany enhanced its capacity-building efforts.

2001-2005

The early 2000s saw a focus on technology and communication tools, with the introduction of satellite communication training and the registration of Video SEWA as a cooperative. Initiatives like the SAT-COM training and the launch of Rudi no Radio underscored IASEW's commitment to leveraging technology for women's empowerment.

2006-2010

In the mid-2000s, IASEW continued to innovate, collaborating with organisations like the World Summit International Society and Harvard University. Notable achievements include the completion of the "SEWA at 30" project and the establishment of the Community Rudi no Radio station, further amplifying women's voices in the community.

2011-2015

During this period, IASEW intensified its efforts in training and capacity-building, launching programs like the Young Women Social Entrepreneurship Development Programme. The organisation's recognition with awards like the Laadli Media Awards for Gender Sensitivity and participation in international workshops underscored its growing influence on a global scale.

2016-Now

In recent years, IASEW has continued to adapt to changing needs and technologies, with initiatives like the Digital Literacy program and the Training of Trainers for young girls under the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao scheme. Collaborations with organisations like Tata Consultancy Services and Sindacato Pensionati Italiani Cgil have further strengthened IASEW's impact in empowering women in the informal economy.

Geographical Footprint

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.

 

In Gujarat: Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Mehsana, Surendranagar, Sabarkantha, Banaskantha, Patan, Kheda, Anand, Vadodara, Panchmahal, Surat, Tapi, Dahod, Bhavnagar, Amreli, Kucch, Porbandar

 

In India: Gujarat, Bihar, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Odisha

We have footprints in 14 countries around the world.

Internationally: Nepal, Tunisia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Thailand, Pakistan, Indonesia, USA, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Argentina

IASEW Gallery