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IDC 2010 Logo88th 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.

ICA Message for International Day of Co-operatives, 3 July 2010

The ICA message is also translated into a variety of languages by members:

Messages from the United Nations and its agencies

Messages and resources from ICA members

  • Poster produced by ICA members in Japan

    Poster produced by ICA Members in Japan for IDC 2010

Information Resources

Video resources on women's empowerment through co-operatives:

Other recent resources:

Share your celebrations

The ICA collects information about celebrations of the International Day of Co-operatives and prepares a report for the United Nations regarding how the Day was celebrated. It also reports on celebrations in the ICA Digest.

Celebrations for International Day of Co-operatives

Information on past International Days > > >

Last Updated: 22 June 2011