Empowering Women in an Insecure World. Joining SEWA Makes a Difference.

Abstract:
This paper examines what significance membership in SEWA has. SEWA, a trade union of self-employed poor women, uses several strategies to aid its members: organizing for collective strength; help in access to financial services; capacity building; and social security. Based on the findings of the Gujarat Social Income and Insecurity Survey this paper argues that members of SEWA have relatively better access to credit and other financial support. Furthermore, members of SEWA feel empowered and share a feeling of control over their income.