About ISST
The Institute of Social Studies Trust (ISST), since its inception in 1980, is committed to the cause of equity and well-being of the poor and the marginalized. It has specifically been working towards bringing the issues and concerns linked to women in all communities to the forefront. Using a gender transformative approach, the main focus area of ISST’s work has been to pursue multidisciplinary social science research and conduct evaluative studies. It has also been involved in reaching out to the community directly through its outreach centre, Saathi, which works towards empowering women, children and adolescent youth.
About SEWA
The Self-Employed Women’s Association, SEWA, is a national union of 1.8 million women workers in the informal economy. Founded by Ela Bhatt, a labour lawyer and organiser, in 1972, SEWA has grown into India’s largest movement of informal women workers, including unions and cooperatives in 18 states of India. One such cooperative is Sangini BalSEWA cooperative which provides holistic and comprehensive, full day and quality care to the young children of informal women workers. SEWA works for the economic empowerment and self- reliance of informal women workers and their families. Child care is an essential and integral part of the journey for self-reliance.
