If you’ve heard of SEWA (Self Employed Women’s Association) Chikan and would like to shop for chikankari clothes from them, you will be as confused as most of Lucknow when it comes to figuring out which one of the many stores that go by the name of Sewa you should head to. You will be surprised to know that there is only one store in all of Lucknow that belongs to SEWA, set up more than 30 years ago to ensure that crafts women engaged in this embroidery get sufficient and regular work at fair wages without exploitation by middlemen, manufacturers and other entrepreneurs. Also, note that SEVA or Seva or similar-sounding names are not the same as SEWA.
WHY IS SEWA SO POPULAR?
Established with 31 women in 1984, the Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA-Lucknow) began its journey towards providing its member artisans’ direct, appropriate and timely wages. The USP was a rejuvenation of Chikankari itself. And it has remarkably succeeded in restoring the dignity of the craft.
WHERE CAN I SHOP FOR CHIKAN CLOTHES BY SEWA?
The chikan store run by SEWA Lucknow is located in Halwasiya Market, near Habibullah Estate. You can also go to their factory outlet, which is located in Brahm Nagar. All other stores which go by similar names and spellings and have opened large stores in different locations across the city might be great for shopping too, but they are not an enterprise of the SEWA that has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize 2005 for her substantial contribution towards fighting for peace and justice for marginalized community especially for women. You could also check out their website to know more about their work: http://www.sewalucknow.org/
SEWA also puts up exhibitions in different cities in the country. Look out for the logo given here to make sure you know who you’re shopping from.
Location:
> 11 A.C. Market, Halwasiya, Hazratganj, Lucknow
> 474 /1KA / 4 Brahm Nagar, Sitapur Road, Lucknow
Contact: 0522 – 2369134
