Mahila Housing SEWA Trust (MHT)
Mahila Housing SEWA Trust (MHT) is an autonomous organization promoted by the Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) in 1994, with the vision to realize the right to shelter and dignity for all. MHT believes that all citizens, irrespective of their residential status, have a right to equal access to basic civic services and entitlements, and that they have a right to be treated uniformly and justly by service providers. The most effective way to achieve this is through community empowerment, and facilitating people’s engagement with the government and the private sector.
Participant Profile: Bijal Bhrambhatt (Director)
Bijal is a civil engineer by training and is a recognized expert in habitat improvement, community development and housing finance. She has worked on renewable and efficient energy issues for the poor with various stakeholders including the Government of India and private sector. She is representing MHT on several Government advisory committees including expert committee on Rajiv Awaas Yojana, Affordable Housing task Force by the Prime Minister’s office in 2008 and steering committee of planning commission for the 12th five year plan. She is on board of SEWA Grih Rin, a housing finance company for the poor women and is also as an advisor to poor women credit cooperatives. She was felicitated by ‘Women Change Makers, Switzerland in 2013 for her work on Women’s empowerment.