Ahmedabad, November 2
Renowned women’s rights activist Ela Bhatt, the founder of SEWA (Self Employed Women’s Association), died here on Wednesday due to age-related issues, her associates said.
Bhatt, 89, a Padma Bhushan recipient, was a pioneer in the field of women empowerment and had received international recognition due to her work.
“It is with profound grief that we announce the passing away of our beloved and respected founder, Smt. Elaben Bhatt, a pioneer in advocating for women workers’ rights, we strive to carry her legacy forward,” SEWA Bharat tweeted.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condoled her death.
“Sad to know about the death of Elaben Bhatt. She will be remembered long for her work for the promotion of women empowerment, social service and education among the youth. Condolences to her family members and admirers,” Modi tweeted in Gujarati.
Bhatt is mainly known for her work through the Self-Employed Women’s Association or SEWA, a trade union of women working in the unorganized sector, which now has two million members.
Bhatt was born in Ahmedabad on September 7, 1933. After a short stint as a college teacher, she joined the legal department of the Textile Labour Association (TLA), one of the oldest unions of textile workers in Ahmedabad, in the 1960s.
