SAHELI was founded in 2004 in response to a collective request from economically disadvantaged women in the Basta and Rasgovindpur Community Development (CD) Blocks of Balasore and Mayurbhanj districts in Odisha, India. These women, members and leaders of self-help groups (SHGs), belonged primarily to Scheduled Tribes (Adivasis) and other marginalized communities, sought a platform that could effectively address their social, economic, and human rights concerns. Over time they had understood, from the experience of working with SHGs, the inherent limitations of SHG mode in addressing deeper structural factors that negatively impact on their lives. As cases of gender-based violence, early and forced marriages of children, denial of sexual and reproductive health rights, and broader violations of women human rights escalated, the need for a dedicated women-led organization became convincing to all of them.

The SHG leaders, through formal and informal consultations, urged the formation of an independent organization that can defend the rights of women and children, provide protective mechanisms, and amplify their voices. The relevance of this demand was great in the absence of any civil society organisation (CSO) of women, particularly one focusing on gender justice and rights of women including sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR), operating in the area in which the above SHGs started to work.

Responding to this grassroots demand, SAHELI was founded in 2004 as an organization "for women and by women." Later this motto was changed to Women for Women. It was formally registered as a not-for-profit organization in 2008. In recognition of its credibility and compliances, SAHELI received registration in 2011 under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), 2010, from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, enabling it to receive foreign contributions for its development and rights-based initiatives. Later, it complied with all statutory requirements for a registered charity in India. After a few years, SHELI became an organisation in full compliance with all statutory requirements for registered charities (CSOs) working in India.

SAHELI has, since its inception, remained steadfast in its mission to protect, promote, and uphold the rights of women, particularly those belonging to marginalized and vulnerable communities. The organization continues to work at the grassroots level, addressing systemic inequalities and empowering women to claim their rights with dignity and confidence.

The organisation has established physical and social infra-structure for operations. Building with minimum equipment and community-based social institutions are actively functioning facilitating community responses to child marriage and domestic violence against women. Good rapport established with primary and secondary stakeholders offers fuel for functioning.

SAHELI has forayed into enhancing livelihood options for landless women cultivators in the target villages. Commenced with lease land cultivation of paddy and vegetables by women cultivators collectives in 2021, a Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) was founded. It was incorporated as a company under the Companies Act 2013.

The head office of SAHELI located in Hassanpur village, Pathrajada Gram Panchayat, Basta CD Block, Balasore District, and regional office in Devendrapur, Baripada, Mayurbhanj district Odisha, India, ensure its presence remains deeply rooted within the communities with which it works.