SEWA organizes exhibition to promote women weavers’ products
By ANISunday, March 28, 2010
NEW DELHI - A Delhi based non government organisation Self-Employment Women’s Association (SEWA) has organized an exhibition to promote women weavers.
The exhibition aimed at providing a platform for women to sell their products, and supports them in improving their socio-economic status, and building a sustainable income through different opportunities.
The handicrafts on display included garments, home furnishings, art works, accessories, saris, bedspreads, and many other items.
Bollywood veteran actress and Indian Censor Board chief, Sharmila Tagore, who was also present at the exhibition, said her support goes for SEWA as not only it is a worthy cause, but also their creations are very traditional and ethnic.
“It has traditional designs and aesthetics and I support it (SEWA) not only because it is a cause, which it is; not only because it provides livelihood to so many women, which it obviously has; but also because I like what I am wearing. I think it is comparable to anything else in my wardrobe. It has got beautiful colours, style; it makes me look good. So, all these things are there,” said Tagore.
The exhibition concluded with a fashion show that saw Ms. Tagore walking the ramp dressed in a red Silk sari, designed by SEWA artisans to encourage their new collection, ‘Ananta: The Flamboyant Stitch’.
Reema Nanavaty, the chairperson of SEWA, said that she wants to make the brand global and wants to promote ‘Ananta’ across south Asia.
“Our aim is to promote “Ananta” in the South Asian countries. Now, we will be promoting it in Nepal and Bhutan. Later, we will be launching it in Europe and America. Today, there are 300 hundred artisans who have come to take part in this exhibition including artisans from other South Asian countries,” said Nanavaty.
SEWA is a trade union registered in 1972. It is an organisation of poor, self-employed women workers.
Women constitute 93 percent of the labour force in India, out of which 94 percent are unorganized workers.(ANI)
