Women are the key

              This year International Women Day celebrations have an added significance in the wake of covid crisis which gripped the entire world. The crisis is yet not over, but it is important to evaluate and introspect over the theme of this year's celebrations in the wake of the growth of the cooperative sector, and the important role played by women in strengthening the cooperative movement. It needs no reiteration that cooperatives have been playing an important role in promoting Gender and socio-economic equality in accordance with the Goal No. 5 of 17 UN sustainable Development Goals to transform the world by 2030. The increasinWomeng participation of women, and their growing leadership role at all levels in the functioning of cooperatives, more particularly women cooperatives in India is a welcome trend in the recent years. Against this background, Dileep Sanghani, President, NCUI speaking during a conference to the mark of International Women's Day said that NCUI would provide all support to strengthening women cooperatives. However, these cooperatives need to be supported and strengthened by all means.

The theme of this year's celebrations has relevance at a time when the women members and leaders have emerged as true corona warriors tackling the covid crisis in their communities according to best of their capabilities. No doubt, this was highlighted by Mirai Chatterjee, President Sewa Women Cooperative Federation when she said that the good work of women cooperatives should be highlighted during the covid crisis. This can be done through good documentations and other communication strategies with effective use of media/social media. 

NCUI organizing a conference to mark the occasion of International Women's Day this year has been a timely initiative. The meeting coincided with the meeting of National Committee for Empowerment of Women which has been established to periodically review the existing situation of women cooperatives in India and evolving schemes/projects for enhancing women's participation in the affairs of cooperatives. The conference highlighted some issues which need utmost attention and taking necessary measures, so that they are well implemented. For examples, building up strong links with MSME Ministry so that women do not face hurdles in their entrepreneurial journey with cooperatives is very important. The entrepreneurial model of cooperatives through women can be an ideal model if it is fostered and given a conducive atmosphere to flourish. Similarly, during the pandemic, the women cooperatives faced a big problem of marketing their products. Creating an online portal exclusively for enhancing business of women cooperatives can be a game-changer in this regard. Similarly, there is also a need to increase women membership in cooperatives at all levels, and in this regard, the primary level cooperatives can be the ideal starting points for increasing the participation of women in cooperatives. The Cooperative Policy in India will be reformulated in the times to come in accordance with the changes in the current socio-economic scenario. A chapter exclusively on Gender equality and women participation in decision making in cooperatives is the need of the hour for strengthening women leadership in cooperatives. A definite policy parameter in this regard will rejuvenate the working of cooperatives.