Sewa International started the Gujarat Rehabilitation Project “Empowering women Self Help Group to organize and manage sustainable entrepreneurship programme” in Kutch district of Gujarat supported by India Development and Relief Fund (USA). The artisans were provided interim relief through provision of tool kits. However, many long term problems lingered. These problems included loss of livelihoods, loss of infrastructure, poor access to working capital and markets. A long term solution for the artisan groups was badly needed.

Sewa international engaged in creation of sustainable livelihood for women, to identify and motivate poor women in the rural areas and to deliver capacity building workshop, training cum exhibition and provide financial assistance by linking them to the banks and facilitating them to avail soft loan timely and in efficient manner so that, Sewa International as an organization can evolve and prove a financially sustainable MED model for the poor.

At the initial stage Kuran village of Khavda were identified and 18 women were selected to enhance their skills in embroidery and a Self Help Group named MomaiMaaMahila Mandal was constituted by the interest and willingness of these women. Later on, 20 women were identified and UmiyaMahila Mandal was formed in Jiyapar village of NakhatranaTaluka, these women were provided technical training in tailoring. Finally, two groups were developed as manufacturing unit, where one group was well versed in embroidery work and the other one in tailoring. In due course of time these groups were able to manufacture Kutcchi embroidered hand bags of different designs and shapes.