Ahead of International Women’s Day, the International Cooperative Alliance’s Gender Equality Committee (GEC) has been sharing the campaign “Women Transforming Cooperativism”, highlighting inspiring stories of women who, through their cooperatives, are driving economic, social and community transformation in their territories.
Across the cooperative movement, women are leading initiatives that strengthen communities, create decent work, expand access to essential services, and promote more inclusive and sustainable economic models.
From forest innovation in Spain, to community care in the Dominican Republic, women-led dairy cooperatives in Kenya, and future-focused cooperative leadership in Australia, these eight stories show how women cooperators are shaping the future of the movement across continents.
Through their leadership, these women demonstrate how cooperatives can be powerful vehicles for gender equality, social innovation, and community resilience.
Discover the stories
- COPROENF: Women Leading Through Care in the Dominican Republic
- Maasai Kajiado Women Dairy Cooperative: Women Transforming Cooperativism in Kenya
- Hermanas Mirabal: Women Building on a Legacy of Courage in the Dominican Republic
- Marjana Cooperative: Turning Community Challenges into Opportunities - Women Transforming Cooperativism in Morocco
- Eliza’s Project: Women Leading the Future of Co-operatives and Mutuals in Australia
- Women Cooperators Leading Change in Asia and Pacific: Climate Action and Safer Workplaces
- AGRESTA: A Cooperative Leading Forest Innovation in Spain
- Grupo SSI: Four Decades Transforming Care Through Cooperative Innovation and Social Commitment in Spain
About “Women Transforming Cooperativism”
This is an initiative of the Gender Equality Committee of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), developed within the framework of the ICA Action Plan 2025.
The campaign highlights real stories of women who, through their cooperatives, are driving economic, social, and community transformation in their territories. During the month of February 2026 and up to 8 March –International Women’s Day– representative stories from around the world will be shared on ICA’s official website and social media channels.
Aligned with the International Year of Cooperatives 2025, this initiative celebrates the leadership and contributions of women who are building a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable cooperative movement.
💜 If you have a story and would like to share it, please write to us at gec@ica.coop.
