88th ICA International Co-operative Day
16th UN International Day of Cooperatives
(3 July 2010)
"Co-operative enterprise empowers women"
"La empresa cooperativa empodera a la mujeres"
"L’entreprise coopérative autonomise les femmes"
This year’s theme highlights how the cooperative model of enterprise can successfully empower women. It links to the celebration of the 15th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action (Beijing+15) which sets out the internationally agreed agenda for women’s empowerment.
Co-operatives have a key role to play as they are able to respond to both women’s practical and strategic needs. Whether it be through women only co-operatives or co-operatives made up of women and men, they offer an effective organisational means for women members and employees to raise their living standards by accessing decent work opportunities, savings and credit facilities, health, housing and social services, and education and training.
Co-operatives also offer women opportunities for participation in and influence over economic activities. Women gain self-reliance and self-esteem through this participation. Co-operatives also contribute to the improvement of the economic, social and cultural situation of women in other ways including promoting equality and changing institutional biases.
If you celebrate the Day, please share the information by sending information, images, photos and other resources to Cooperatives Europe
As part of the European Commission’s SME Week 2010, two women co-operative entrepreneurs were highlighted. Read more
