Empowered women marching towards a brighter future.

Empowering Women Through Work: How SEWA's Education Model Fights for Equality

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Lena Kashyap in Culture & Society June 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover how India's Self-Employed Women's Association is using education to uplift women, challenge societal norms, and foster economic independence."


In a world where gender inequality persists, innovative approaches are crucial to leveling the playing field. One such approach is exemplified by the Self-Employed Women's Association (SEWA) in India, an organization dedicated to empowering women in the informal economy. Through its comprehensive training programs, SEWA not only equips women with essential skills but also challenges societal norms, fosters economic independence, and builds a strong sense of community.

SEWA's educational model, as detailed in academic research, goes beyond traditional skill-building. It focuses on cultivating self-worth, promoting collective action, and instilling a deep understanding of workers' rights. By addressing the unique challenges faced by women in the informal sector, SEWA is creating a ripple effect of positive change that extends from individual lives to entire communities.

This article delves into the core elements of SEWA's training programs, highlighting their transformative impact and offering insights into how similar models can be adapted and implemented in other contexts. Join us as we explore the inspiring journey of women empowered through education, cooperation, and unwavering determination.

Naam, Kaam, Gaam: Building Identity and Breaking Barriers

Empowered women marching towards a brighter future.

One of the foundational elements of SEWA's training is the "Naam, Kaam, Gaam" (Name, Work, Village) module. This module is designed to help women recognize and value their identities as workers, often overlooked in traditional patriarchal societies. By encouraging women to proudly state their names, occupations, and places of origin, SEWA challenges the social norms that often define women solely in relation to their families.

The story of Kankuben Laxmanbhai Patni, a vegetable vendor, poignantly illustrates the significance of this module. For years, Kankuben's identity was subsumed by her role as a wife and mother; her contributions as a worker went unacknowledged. SEWA's training provided her with a platform to assert her identity, correct mispronunciations of her name, and take pride in her work.

  • Asserting Identity: The "Naam, Kaam, Gaam" module encourages women to assert their identities as workers, challenging societal norms.
  • Combating Anonymity: By recognizing their names and occupations, women gain visibility and challenge the anonymity often faced by informal workers.
  • Building Confidence: The process of self-introduction and recognition fosters self-worth and confidence among participants.
Furthermore, SEWA's advocacy for identity cards for informal workers underscores its commitment to recognizing their contributions and ensuring their access to essential services. These ID cards serve as proof of identity, enabling women to participate in census counts, access government programs, and avail themselves of social security benefits.

A Legacy of Empowerment

SEWA's holistic approach to women's empowerment, combining education, identity recognition, and collective action, has created a lasting impact on countless lives. By addressing the root causes of inequality and fostering a supportive community, SEWA is paving the way for a more just and equitable society. The lessons learned from SEWA's journey offer valuable insights for organizations and individuals seeking to empower marginalized communities and promote sustainable development worldwide.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

Everything You Need To Know

1

What is SEWA, and what is its main goal?

SEWA, or the Self-Employed Women's Association, is an organization based in India dedicated to empowering women in the informal economy. Its primary goal is to uplift women, challenge societal norms, and foster economic independence through comprehensive training programs and collective action.

2

How does SEWA's "Naam, Kaam, Gaam" module contribute to empowering women?

The "Naam, Kaam, Gaam" module is a foundational element of SEWA's training, designed to help women recognize and value their identities as workers. It encourages women to proudly state their names, occupations, and places of origin. This practice challenges traditional patriarchal norms that often overlook women's contributions, giving them visibility, and fostering self-worth and confidence.

3

What are the key benefits of SEWA's training programs for women in the informal sector?

SEWA's training programs provide women with essential skills, cultivate self-worth, promote collective action, and instill a deep understanding of workers' rights. This holistic approach helps them challenge societal norms, foster economic independence, and build a strong sense of community. Furthermore, it equips them with the tools to advocate for their rights and access essential services.

4

How does SEWA's advocacy for identity cards impact the lives of informal workers?

SEWA's advocacy for identity cards is crucial because it recognizes the contributions of informal workers and ensures their access to essential services. These ID cards serve as proof of identity, enabling women to participate in census counts, access government programs, and avail themselves of social security benefits, addressing anonymity and marginalization.

5

How does SEWA's model of empowerment compare to traditional approaches, and what are its implications?

SEWA's model differs from traditional approaches by focusing not only on skill-building but also on cultivating self-worth, promoting collective action, and challenging societal norms. This holistic approach recognizes the interconnectedness of economic, social, and cultural factors that affect women's lives. Its implications include creating a ripple effect of positive change, empowering women to advocate for their rights, and fostering a more just and equitable society by addressing the root causes of inequality and fostering a supportive community.

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