Case Studies
SEWA Women highlight their lives and stories. Our grassroots women take on the mantle of leadership and fit well into self-selected positions of responsibility, to become advocates and grassroots champions for the women around them. It is the work and lives of our women that make the SEWA Sangathan the force it has been since 1984. Read on for a few stories from our communities.
Pushpaben Soft-Toy maker
Pushpa behen, 40, was born in Benaras, far away from the city of Dehradun, where she currently lives. She had finished her 10th class in the year 1999, when she was married off. “He was only 8th pass and drove trucks for a living.”, she says. After her marriage, she had to shift to a region completely unfamiliar to her own lived experience.
Rupaliben, Tant Weaver
Rupali behen, is a Tant weaver from Phulia, West Bengal, which is known for its high quality sarees throughout Bengal and the world. A typical day in her life means spending long hours at her loom, sometimes 7-8 hours at a stretch.
Aarifaben, Lac Artisan
Traditional lac jewellery is crafted in fire with the original lac extract of a Kusum tree, and is a speciality of Rajasthan. The market share of this artform has shrunk visibly due to the rising demand and supply of chemical lac products.
Sumanben, E-Rickshaw Vahini
Suman behen is a 36-year-old mother of four, wife, and micro-entrepreneur in Jahangir Puri. About 6 months ago, she purchased an e-rickshaw and began a driving service. Being her own employer allows her to earn a living and prioritize her family.
Sangitaben, Aagewan
The last week of June saw more and more migrant workers return to their villages from red zone cities. They were all assigned to quarantine centres for 14 days. Many wouldn’t abide, and were found roaming in their villages.