Grassroots Leadership
At the heart of SEWA’s community-led approach are its Aagewans—local women leaders who emerge from within the communities they serve. Alongside SEWA Saathis, they connect with women in the community, identify local challenges, mobilise communities, and help women access basic amenities and entitlements. Today, SEWA Delhi is supported by active aagewans, whose leadership and collective action continue to strengthen communities across the city.
Building Leaders, Strengthening Communities
SEWA’s Aagewan empowerment process focuses on enabling women to:
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- Identify and respond to community challenges independently.
- Build knowledge of trade-related issues, basic amenities and entitlements.
- Develop skills in communication, mobilisation and leadership.
- Take responsibility for their communities with transparency and accountability.
Aagewans receive structured training, supported by pre- and post-assessments, practical field follow-up and continuous capacity building. Regular mohalla meetings provide spaces for women to come together, share concerns, access information about SEWA’s services and collectively raise issues affecting their lives and livelihoods.
“When women lead from within their own communities, change becomes collective, stronger and sustainable.”
SEWA Delhi is building a strong grassroots leadership network—one that amplifies women’s voices, strengthens collective action and enables communities to become active agents of their own change.
