Women’s Leadership and Empowerment through Co-operation
Submitted by Erin Morgan, Executive Director, OCA
In honour of this month’s International Women’s Day, it is important to first recognize and thank the wonderful women who have contributed to the co-operative movement in Ontario. Their hard work and volunteer hours dedicated to improving communities have changed lives.
Women are very active in the co-operative movement here in Canada and internationally. In many countries women’s participation in co-operatives, as members and workers, is much higher than their overall labour force participation (ilo.org/coop).
However, globally women have not fared well in 2020 as a result of the pandemic. The global employment rate for women is just 46% compared to men at 69% (ica.coop). The co-operative business model not only helps maintain stable employment rates, but provides work/life balance for all employees.
For co-operatives interested in an opportunity to support women’s leadership and empowerment through co-operation to combat the effects of the pandemic on women, there are opportunities through the Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada (CDF).
To support woman leaders internationally, there is the Women’s Mentorship Program, an annual training program that connects women managers from overseas credit unions with mentors from Canadian financial co-operatives. The program has enhanced participants’ management skills and knowledge since 2002.
The impacts on credit unions in Africa, Asia and the Americas have been significant. Over 200 participants from 27 countries have successfully completed the program and implemented changes within their credit unions that have improved their member services and their communities.
Another CDF project, VOICE for Women and Girls, empowers communities to end violence against women and girls. When women establish or join co-operatives, the strong democratic values increase income potential, increase decision making and participation in community affairs and unite women in solidarity and mutual support to overcome barriers.
To learn more about these important programs at CDF and get involved either as a mentor or donor, please visit www.cdfcanada.coop.
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