“ SKILL DEVELOPMENT IN UNORGANIZED SECTOR” SEWA’s INTERVENTION : SOME EXAMPLES Renana Jhabvala, National coordinator Self Employed Women’s Association

Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA)  SEWA was started in 1972 by Elaben Bhatt, as a part of the Textile Labor Association founded by Gandhiji in Ahmadabad.  It is a trade union for and of the poor, self- employed women workers in the informal economy.  Present membership– 12 lakhs in 9 states.

WHO ARE THE MEMEBRS OF SEWA? -- Street vendors, such as vegetable vendors, old cloth vendors etc.

MEMBERS OF SEWA --Home based workers, such as garment stitchers, leather workers, embroidery workers etc.

MEMBERS OF SEWA --Women selling their labour and services, such as construction laborers, care providers etc.

MEMBERS OF SEWA -- Small Producers such as small farmers, milk producers

SEWA and SKILL training SEWA promotes Skill training among its members for higher productivity, more employment and better earnings. About 2% SEWA members ( i.e more than 24,000) has received skill training. Whereas about 35% (i.e. 4.2 lakhs) have received some form of training

Karmika School for construction workers During last five years 2376 no.s of trainees of age groups of were trained in Ahmadabad, Delhi and Rajasthan. The skills -- Masonry, Tiling, Plaster Pointing, Bar Bending, Carpentry, Wireman, Electrification, Plumbing, Lab Technician, Painting, Training with L & T, Training with HCC, Floor laying & polishing, Technical Training (Basic Measurement & unit conversion) were being taught. 80% women reported to increase in income of 20% to 120% 40% women reported increase in days of work, 68% women reported increase in confidence level, 85% of the trained women reported that contractor talked nicely and with respect.

Training in Garment-making SEWA Trade Facilitation Centre trains women for garment making on upgraded machines and for current market Training in Gujarat, trainees from India and South Asia. Over 6000 women trained, including from Afghanistan. Earnings increase by 20% to 200%

Midwives(Dai) training at Health SEWA In last 5 years, nearly Dais of 30 to 60 age group had been trained in Gujrat, Bihar and Rajasthan. The skills taught were Study of Human Body, digestive system, nutritious food, anemia, pregnancy risks, 9 months pregnancy and care to be taken, care of infants, Immunization and vaccine and hygiene, Mortality and morbidity, Family planning, abortion, TB, Malaria, diarrhea etc. Link with Government for health services and thus got stipend from Govt. and got fees from patients. Average earnings (supplemental) about Rs per month ( Polio campaign- 225 Rs stipend, referred case 50 Rs, family planning per case-150 Rs delivery, fee from patient Rs 100—400 per delivery)

Plant-Nursery Training at SEWA Cooperatives, Gujarat Technical expertise from forest dept. Every year nursery training is repeated with the updates by the manger of the cooperative. In last 5 years about 1500 women trained Drip irrigation, line spacing, weeding, maintain, cultivation, harvesting rain water etc. Production increased and nursery growing and tree plantation promoted as a source of income. Eco-tourism promoted. Training on Hospitality for eco tourism was also taken where Hygiene, behavior, wearing apron etc were taught which improved quality of service.

Aggarbatti Training, Bihar Women agricultural workers and marginal farmers had no work Trained about 1000 women in making aggarbatti making Regular work from tie-up with ITC Earning Rs. 1500—3000 per month (supplemental)

Computers, English and accountancy, Gujarat and Delhi SEWA Academy, Gujarat conducts computer training programme for young girls. During last 4 years more than 500 girls trained SEWA Delhi in collaboration with State Bank Academy(SBA) has started a soft skill training programme in Basic Accountancy, Computer Application and Spoken English in girls trained. Girls get jobs in offices and other institutions. Many girls studying further

Training for Home-care, Kerala Women from fisher families lost employment About 1000 women trained in home-care, health-care and catering Employment in homes for care of elderly, sick or children. Earnings Rs Rs 6000 per month.

Life-Skills and Values All trainings include life-skills like literacy, self- presentation, health-care and nutrition and knowledge about the trade, knowledge about Gandhiji etc. All trainings emphasize values promoted by SEWA– simplicity, co-operation, self- confidence etc.

Challenges Scaling-up is the biggest challenge. Trainings are usually costly as they require teachers and tools. Linking with Employment opportunities: 1.No institutions which provide employment linkages (no Naukri.com for them) 2.Finance for self-employment difficult 3.Changing markets make skills obsolete 4.Entry into skilled jobs barred for women 5.Family obligations and taboos

Thank you