In observance of International Cooperative Day, SwitchON Foundation brought together women entrepreneurs celebrating the pivotal contributions of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises to the local economy. This collaborative effort includes fortifying communities, and paving the way for a more sustainable future demonstrating the importance of collaboration, solidarity, and equality. The event underscored the need to continue supporting these values as we strive to forge a better world for all, highlighting the crucial role of women’s empowerment in fostering an inclusive and progressive Indian society.
International Co-operative Day: The Power of Unity and Shared Prosperity within Women
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- Published in:
- 10 min read
- Jul 11 2024
Empowering India’s Economy: Women Entrepreneurs and the Role of Cooperatives
According to a 2024 NITI Aayog report, India hosts 63 million micro, small, and medium enterprises, with 20% owned by women, employing 22 to 27 million people. In the 2021 Mastercard Index of Women Entrepreneurs (MIWE), India ranked 57th among 65 countries. Along with this, India’s cooperative movement, the largest globally, encompasses over 29 crore members across approximately eight lakh institutions, with women making up about a quarter of this membership. There are over 25,000 women’s cooperatives in the country. These cooperatives play a crucial role in advancing women’s economic empowerment and helping them reach their full potential (International Cooperative Alliance, 2022). Recognized as pivotal agents of change, cooperatives have gained further prominence through the endorsement of the United Nations and the instrumental work of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA).
Cultivating Empowerment
Innovation and Inclusion: Co-operatives Transforming Communities
Co-operatives go beyond conventional business models by providing essential services, promoting democratic decision-making, and fostering economic resilience and sustainability.
Each year, the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) selects a theme reflecting global aspirations; this year’s focus on “Cooperatives Building a Better Future for All” highlights their role in advancing women’s leadership and fostering economic and community development. The International Cooperative Day celebration emphasized small businesses’ critical role, emphasizing women’s leadership’s significance in local economic growth.
Impacts of Cooperatives
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Celebrating Cooperative Leadership Initiatives by SwitchON
Recognizing the vital role of women entrepreneurship in driving economic growth and community development, the SwitchON Foundation organized a significant event at the DRDC Conference Hall in Bankura, West Bengal, to mark International Co-operative Day. This event brought together women leaders to observe the essential contributions of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to the local economy. It provided invaluable insights into government schemes and initiatives, fostering a nurturing and empowering environment for emerging women business owners in the region.
United in diversity, standing strong together
At SwitchON, we were proud to be part of a community that values cooperative principles. The event was honored by esteemed guests, including Shri Debojit Bose, Project Director of DRDC, and Mr. Chandan Das, General Manager of District Industries Centres. Both shared their expertise on the vital role of cooperatives in supporting women entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, innovation, and access to resources.
Driving the changes to economic growth
Women from cooperative societies, including the Weaver Cooperative Society and Rampur Mahamaya Khadi Gramodaya Sangha (Khadi Society), participated in the event. A significant aspect of the event was its exhibitions, which spotlighted the accomplishments of women entrepreneurs, highlighting their innovative offerings. These displays sought to encourage and spur aspiring women entrepreneurs to pursue their business aspirations. Participants engaged directly with government officials in interactive sessions, gaining valuable insights into government schemes and initiatives such as the Bhabishyat Credit Card, KVIC – Khadi & Village Industries Commission, and the Micro & Small Enterprises Cluster Development Programme (MSE-CDP). These sessions aimed to create a conducive environment for all participants.
Embracing sisterhood and cooperation.
Ways in Which Women Entrepreneurs Can Drive Real Change:
Women hold the key to making impactful strides in creating economic sustainability and safeguarding our planet’s health. Whether you’re tech-savvy, a nature lover, or simply passionate about environmental stewardship, women’s cooperatives provide powerful opportunities to drive change. Here are empowering ways for women to lead as Guardians of Our Planet:
- Collaborate and Innovate: Partner with local cooperatives to pioneer eco-friendly solutions and sustainable practices.
- Educate and Empower: Host workshops to inspire others to launch green businesses and adopt environmentally conscious strategies.
- Implement Sustainable Practices: Lead by example—reduce waste, embrace renewable energy, and promote eco-friendly products.
- Build Community Resilience: Join like-minded organizations to create resilient communities focused on conservation and sustainability.
Women Embodying the Rhythm of Life
Sources
NCBA CLUSA (2024). International Cooperative Alliance announces the theme of the 2024 International Day of Cooperatives. (Available at: https://ncbaclusa.coop/blog/international-cooperative-alliance-announces-theme-of-2024-international-day-of-cooperatives/ (Accessed on: Jul 3, 2024)
Data Age (2024). The Digitization of the World From Edge to Core
www.seagate.com/files/www-content/our-story/trends/files/dataage-idc-report-final.pdf (Accessed on: Jul 3, 2024)
International Cooperative Alliance (2022). Strengthening Solidarity Enabling Women’s Cooperatives & Collective Enterprises to Thrive. www.sewafederation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/National-Workshop-2022-Report.pdf (Accessed on: Jul 3, 2024)
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