Impact at SEWA Cooperative Federation is reflected in cooperative institutions that continue to function viably, leadership that evolves, and their businesses that adapt with changing conditions. At the core, these cooperatives are formed by the members of SEWA Union – the single largest women worker’s Central trade union in India.
*These numbers indicate reach, not the full depth of change.
Some of the strongest indicators of impact are cooperatives that continue over time. In certain cases, this includes institutions that have been revived after periods of difficulty. In others, it is reflected in new leadership emerging within existing structures.
Leadership evolves within cooperatives through experience, mentoring, and shared responsibility.
This includes supporting board members in governance roles, as well as creating pathways for younger women to participate and take on leadership.
Women’s cooperatives operate in environments shaped by disruption – whether from market shifts, climate stress, or events such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Responses differ across sectors, but the focus remains on sustaining work and protecting livelihoods without fragmenting collective structures.
The Federation also engages with institutions and policy spaces that shape how cooperatives function.
This includes contributing to research, participating in forums, and developing policy briefs grounded in cooperative experience.
Much of this work is documented through reports, studies, and reflections.
