Women's Empowerment Reimagined: Ela Bhatt's Revolutionary Journey with SEWA

In the heart of Ahmedabad, Ela Bhatt sparked a quiet revolution that would transform millions of lives. Founded in 1972, the Self-Employed Women's Association (SEWA) was far more than a typical organization—it was a powerful movement of women's empowerment that challenged deeply ingrained social and economic barriers.

Bhatt's vision went beyond traditional approaches to women's development. She recognized the invisible workforce of street vendors, home-based workers, and small artisans who worked tirelessly but remained economically marginalized. Instead of viewing these women as victims, she saw them as powerful agents of change waiting to be empowered.

SEWA's holistic approach created a comprehensive ecosystem of support. The organization provided:

• Economic empowerment through cooperative banks and micro-credit

• Social security with health insurance and legal aid

• Skill development and collective bargaining platforms

Her revolutionary strategy transformed the lives of over 2 million women workers, establishing cooperative enterprises and challenging systemic inequalities. Bhatt's leadership was distinguished by deep empathy, grassroots understanding, and an unwavering belief in collective power.

More than just an economic initiative, SEWA was a social movement dedicated to restoring dignity, building self-confidence, and creating lasting social change. Bhatt's famous quote, "Poverty is not a natural state. It is a condition created by social, political, and economic systems," encapsulated her transformative philosophy.

Globally recognized and nationally honored, Ela Bhatt proved that true empowerment comes from creating ecosystems that enable self-sufficiency and recognize women's inherent potential.