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US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton held a reunion in Mumbai (July 18) with village women she presents as a model for easing global poverty. She marvelled at the embroidered clothes in the Hansiba outlet in south Mumbai, a business that sprung from the Self Employed Women's Association (SEWA) which she got to know when she was US first lady. She praised the grassroots organisation and its aim of helping rural women and families find a way out of poverty that hampers social progress, peace and prosperity worldwide. Sewa, a 1.2-million strong group with affiliates in Pakistan and Afghanistan has "become a model for women's economic progress and empowerment," she said. "At this time of global economic turmoil, we can see a disproportionate impact on women." Ela Bhatt, founded SEWA in 1972. The organization is headquartered in Ahmedabad.
Report dated 20 Jul, 2009
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Protectionist policies have started to affect international trade. Add to this the recession in the USA and EU which has also hit exports of textiles and readymade garments, which in turn is adversely affecting demand for cotton in India. Cotton exports plunged 64 per cent in June to 92,071 bales (of 170 kg) against 256,000 bales exported in May. Total exports between August 2008 and June 2009 stood at 2,286,000 bales compared with 8,500,000 bales in 2007-08. Among the major countries that import cotton from India are China, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Indonesia.
Report dated 16 Jul, 2009
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