Ela Bhatt
05:34pm Monday, Sep 28, 2009 | 0 comments | 0/5 rating | Share

Making peace with workers' rights:  

Recognized as one of the world's greatest entrepreneurial minds in grassroots development and a pioneer in labor rights, Ela Bhatt (September 7, 1933 - present) is the founder of Self-Employed Women's Association (SEWA), a trade union that advocates for the rights of more than one million female workers in India. Often compared to Gandhi for her gentle and peaceful approach, Bhatt is dedicated to improving the quality of life of India's poorest and most oppressed female workers.

"There cannot be any excuse for not removing poverty. The priorities have to change."

Bhatt grew up in the hometown of Mahatma Gandhi and his teachings had a profound influence on her life and her commitment to public service. A lawyer by training, Bhatt managed the women's wing of the Textile Labor Association (TLA) where she worked. As a legal aid at TLA, Bhatt realized that though the labor union protected many industrial workers, thousands of self-employed women (garment makers, vegetable vendors, and hawkers) were denied any legal protection and were not acknowledged for their valuable economic contributions.

In response to the disenfranchisement of female laborers, Bhatt, with the help of then-TLA president Arvind Buch, launched SEWA in 1972 to organize and protect these women. This trade union provides legal advocacy, job training, childcare, and employment support for women workers. SEWA also established a literacy program, low-income housing, and health, maternity, and widowhood benefits for members at a low price.

One initial concern for SEWA was the dependency of self-employed women on the high interest rates of money lenders. To protect women from exploitation, SEWA began a cooperative bank in 1974 to provide loans for union members without interest. This project provides guidance on wise financial management and purchase of necessary materials, fosters a sense of independence, and encourages savings.

The project's remarkable success and the empowerment it provides for the women make SEWA a global leader in micro-financing and women's development.

Learn more:

Self-Employed Women's Association website

Profile on National Resource Centre for Women's website