Sewa celebrates 40 years of building self-reliance

AHMEDABAD: Six logos sparkled at the back of the stage, as self employed women's association (Sewa) celebrated the completion of 40 years of existence with a cultural programme. 1,500 Sewa members and well wishers joined the celebrations at Jaishankar Sunadari Hall on Thursday.
Other than the main Sewa logo, the remaining five belong to Sewa's key initiatives - Sewa Academy, Mahila Housing Sewa Trust, Sewa Bank, Sewa Social Security and the Sewa Co-operative Federation."The theme of the celebration is Sewa's integrated approach to self-reliance - through capitalization, social security, capacity building and voice building and voice representation. , and these aspects help women move towards self-reliance," said Mirai Chatterjee, director of Sewa Social Security. "These four aspects are needed simultaneously to help women emerge out of poverty and move towards self-reliance," she said.
Sewa has organized around 13.5 lakh women through co-operatives and into self-help groups. Celebrating this theme, the third generation of Sewa members including the Sewa Kishori students performed through music, dance and drama the journey of Sewa, as well the spirit of being a woman. Members from various parts of the state performed their traditional dances also and the Sewa's Kishori students graced the stage.
Scholars Dr Usha Thakkar and Dr Lata Desai were the special guests at the event. Sewa will continue its celebrations through various events till April 25.
Profiles
Of the many success stories
Kapilaben, 40, Anand
Joined as a Kamdaar in 1989, now a Sewa Pramukh
"I was a part of a tobacco workers group from our village of Vasnavnagar. We were organized under Sewa, when we staged a dharna against the dealers who were exploiting us and got a pay rise. Also when my husband passed away, Sewa supported me immensely towards overcoming the loss.
Morever, Sewa has inculcated leadership values in me through its various training programmes. In turn, I taught these lessons to my family members and also women from my village. Being associated with Sewa has earned me respect. Today as a Pramukh, I discuss social and development policies for my village with the sarpanch. It is a matter of great honour for me."
Shanta Koshti, 45, Ahmedabad
Joined as a Kamdaar in 1984, now coordinator at Sewa Academy
"As part of the tobacco industry, I always wanted to do something for my fellow workers who were exploited. When I joined Sewa, I got an opportunity to do that. Later I did research on occupational health, and when Sewa academy started I worked as the research co-coordinator there. Here, through training we aim at building capacity of women to be organized for development. Coming from an informal sector, I am happy that I am working for Sewa. This is a big victory for me."
Jasodaben Makhwan, 43, Ahmedabad
Joined as a Kamdhaar, 2008, now a Agyavan (leader)
"I was working as a porter in the Kalupur market as since the closure of mills, my husband was also unemployed. After receiving training at Sewa Academy, I began working with the Home Care department. In the past four years, I have not yet become financially stable, but Sewa has given me confidence, self-reliance and self-respect. I now help spread the message of home care awareness in different underdeveloped settlements in Ahmedabad like Thaltej, Gomtipur, Vadaj, etc. We organize women and educate them on health, education and social security."
Asha Munaf Ajmeri, 31, Shahpur
Joined as a Kamdaar in 2002, now works as a Agyavan
"Sewa has given me confidence to take independent decisions. Coming from a joint family, I was never self-reliant. My 10-years with Sewa have changed my outlook, especially the various training programmes here. Today I own property, which is a big step for me.
At Sewa, I look into VimoSewa, an insurance scheme to secure women. Also we work along with the health, housing and child welfare departments. I am happy that wherever we go, we are identified as 'Sewa ni ben'."