The Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), the single largest national trade union in India for women workers of the informal economy, has been awarded the 2026 GAEA Award in the “Empowering Voices to Shape Action” category.

SEWA, through its uilding Cleaner Skies campaign, had been a catalyst of change among thousands of low-income women salt farmers. Through the adoption of clean, green solar pumps, hands-on training in solar PV technology, and the development of innovative financial partnerships, grassroots women have taken on new roles as solar engineers and entrepreneurs. This shift has resulted in significant deduction of carbon dioxide and boosted incomes up women workers up to 500%.

The initiative has become a powerful example of gender equity in action—demonstrating how women can be leaders in environmental protection and drivers of economic development.

Supported by the World Economic Forum, the GAEA Awards aim to “fast-track innovative partnerships across and within sectors and industries to drive systems change for climate and nature goals“.

SEWA is one of the steering committee members of ComDev Asia.