Spending a week with SEWA (Self Employed Women’s Association) Kerala was filled with new learning, meaningful conversations, and a deeper understanding of the organisation’s grassroots work in empowering women across the state and India as a whole. Hearing about the organisation’s origins and evolution gave us a strong sense of how SEWA continues to stand for solidarity, self-reliance, and women’s rights in India today.
We had the chance to explore Trivandrum, visiting a local Hindu temple and receiving a blessing which was a truly special experience.
Visiting a reed weaving cluster supported by SEWA was the highlight of my week. The women welcomed us with warmth and generosity, inviting us to try our hand at the intricate weaving process. I was especially fortunate to work closely with Susheela, who patiently taught me a delicate circular weave that we transformed into a beautiful basket. It was a privilege to spend the day learning from her, and I felt incredibly grateful to also meet her daughter, Sheena, and granddaughter, Annie. Despite the language barrier between English and Malayalam, we found ways to communicate through gestures, smiles, and shared focus, a powerful reminder of how collaboration and creativity can transcend words.
Wednesday was all about exploring SEWA’s public-facing spaces. We spent the day visiting several shops and cafes, observing everything from customer service to product display. This was a crucial step in preparing for our second consulting project, helping us better understand their brand identity and day-to-day operations. We also had the opportunity to visit SEWA’s headquarters, where we gained valuable insight into how the organisation is structured and managed behind the scenes.
Another amazing opportunity was our conversation with Nalini Nayak, a deeply respected figure in grassroots activism, particularly within Kerala’s fishing communities. Her reflections on learning from local women and the complexities of empowerment work were eye-opening, and it was a real honour to hear her speak so candidly about the lessons she's gathered through decades of advocacy and support.
Later in the week, we presented our second consulting project to SEWA. Each of us contributed ideas and suggestions to help enhance SEWA’s impact and visibility, from social media strategies to retail space improvements. It was rewarding to see our work come together, and we’re excited about the potential for these ideas to be taken forward.
After a full-on week, we finally made it to Kovalam’s black sand beach. We got to paddle in the sea and watch the night fall over the waves near the lighthouse, playing card games over dinner as a group.
This week reminded me that women’s empowerment isn’t just about providing skills, it’s about building important networks of trust, opportunity, and resilience.