How SEWA is putting digital power in women’s hands
In a country where over 80% of women are engaged in the informal economy, the struggle to access basic rights and services is a daily reality. However, a pioneering organization, Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), is working to change this narrative by empowering women with digital tools and skills. Through its innovative initiatives, SEWA is putting digital power in the hands of millions of women, enabling them to access welfare, insurance, and financial systems with ease.
SEWA, a trade union and development organization, has been working for over four decades to promote the economic and social empowerment of women in the informal sector. With a membership of over 3.2 million women, SEWA is one of the largest and most influential organizations of its kind in India. Recently, the organization has taken a significant step forward by leveraging technology to amplify its impact.
In an exclusive interview, SEWA’s Chairperson, Mirai Chatterjee, shared her vision for using technology to empower women. “We believe that technology has the potential to democratize access to services and opportunities, especially for marginalized communities like women in the informal economy,” she said. “Our goal is to equip women with the skills and tools they need to access welfare, insurance, and financial systems, and to become active participants in the digital economy.”
One of the key initiatives driving SEWA’s digital empowerment strategy is the use of blockchain-based IDs and health passports. These digital identities provide women with a secure and portable record of their personal and health information, making it easier for them to access healthcare, insurance, and other services.
Chatterjee explained that the blockchain-based IDs have been particularly effective in addressing the challenges faced by women in accessing healthcare services. “Many women in the informal economy lack access to formal healthcare services, and even when they do, they often face barriers in accessing records and documentation,” she said. “Our blockchain-based IDs have helped to streamline this process, allowing women to access healthcare services more easily and with greater confidence.”
Another significant innovation is SEWA’s digital literacy program, which is aimed at training grassroots leaders to become digital champions in their communities. These leaders, known as “Digital Sahelis,” are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to support their fellow women in adopting digital technologies and accessing digital services.
Chatterjee emphasized the importance of this program in empowering women. “Our Digital Sahelis are the backbone of our digital empowerment strategy,” she said. “By training them to become digital champions, we are not only equipping them with new skills but also empowering them to become leaders in their communities.”
SEWA’s digital empowerment initiatives have already shown significant results, with over 1.5 million women accessing healthcare services using their blockchain-based IDs. The organization has also reported a significant increase in women’s participation in digital financial services, with over 500,000 women now accessing financial services through mobile phones.
As SEWA continues to scale its digital empowerment initiatives, it is clear that the organization is having a profound impact on the lives of millions of women. By providing them with the skills and tools they need to access digital services and opportunities, SEWA is not only empowering women but also transforming communities.
As Chatterjee so eloquently put it, “SEWA’s digital empowerment strategy is not just about providing women with digital tools and skills, it’s about giving them the power to shape their own futures and create a better tomorrow for themselves and their families.”
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