Gender equality is a cornerstone of inclusion and diversity within the cooperative movement, deeply rooted in the principles of fairness, democracy, and shared decision-making. By their very nature, cooperatives are designed to empower individuals and communities, providing a platform where everyone, regardless of gender, has an equal opportunity to participate and benefit. Cooperatives, being democratic enterprises, are committed to promoting participation from all members in decision-making processes. This provides a natural setting for advancing gender equality. Gender equality, therefore, is not just a moral imperative but also a practical goal that enhances the strength and sustainability of cooperatives. 

According to CECOP’s recent publication on data about our network1, in some countries in Europe, where data are collected, more than 50% of the workers and members in cooperatives are women. While this figure indicates significant participation, their reading should be done carefully as the sector of activities of the cooperative, whether traditionally female or male dominated, can significantly impact the results. For instance, many social cooperatives are active in sectors like care and education, traditionally female dominated, thus witnessing a higher representation of women in the workforce, contrary to worker cooperatives active in manufacturing or construction, sectors that are traditionally male dominated. 

When it comes to leadership positions within cooperatives, despite the little data available, the perception is that women remain largely underrepresented, even in traditionally female dominated sectors. This leadership gap is often attributed to a variety of factors, including cultural norms and the underrepresentation of women in senior positions.  

Moreover, the importance of gender equality in cooperatives goes beyond just numbers; it is about creating a work environment where all members, regardless of gender, can have their voices heard, their needs met, and their talents recognised. The cooperative principles, which include democratic member control, voluntary and open membership, and concern for community, align well with the principles of gender equality, as they seek to ensure everyone’s inclusion in decision-making and resource allocation. This is particularly vital in sectors where women have historically been underrepresented in leadership positions and decision-making bodies. 

However, achieving gender equality is an ongoing process that requires intentional efforts to overcome historical and cultural barriers that have often marginalised women’s roles in many sectors. 

As emerged from the CECOP mutual learning session among members on the issue of gender equality, aware of the need for boosting gender parity, more and more cooperative federations are taking proactive steps to promote gender equality within the cooperatives affiliated with them, creating supportive ecosystems for women cooperators and advocating for gender policies at local, national, and international levels. These federations recognise that promoting gender equality not only benefits women but strengthens the entire cooperative movement, fostering a more inclusive, democratic, and resilient economic model. 

One key initiative within these federations is the establishment of Gender Equality Committees. In Italy and France, these committees are dedicated to amplifying the voices of women cooperators, by advocating for national and regional policies that ensure gender equality across the cooperative ecosystem. These committees engage in a variety of activities, including organising awareness-raising events, creating gender-focused policies, and developing initiatives that empower women to take on leadership roles within their cooperatives. They offer a variety of training programmes that focus on essential skills for leaders, including negotiation, time management, and communication. Moreover, they conduct studies and research on gender-specific issues, such as the intersection of gender and medicine, to raise awareness on the topic. 

Federations also provide invaluable resources and tools to help cooperatives achieve good gender equality standards within their enterprises, for instance, COCETA in Spain has developed comprehensive guides to assist worker cooperatives in designing and implementing gender equality plans. 

Additionally, cooperative federations promote and support the obtainment of gender equality certifications available at the national or regional level among cooperatives, particularly in Italy. These certifications aim to reduce gender gaps by providing key performance indicators related to gender equality policies in cooperatives, offering both a measurable framework for improvement and a competitive advantage for cooperatives seeking to participate in public procurement processes. 

A notable example of a cooperative benefiting from this certification is the cooperative GEMOS, an Italian worker cooperative in the catering service sector. GEMOS recently earned the gender equality certification introduced under the Italian National Recovery and Resilience Plan (UNI PdR125:2022), which has helped the cooperative become more self-aware of its strengths and weaknesses regarding gender equity. The process of obtaining the certification allowed GEMOS to evaluate its internal policies, assess the needs of its women members, and make necessary adjustments to better support gender equality in the workplace. Beyond internal benefits, the certification has provided GEMOS with a competitive edge when participating in public procurement and access to tax relief measures. 

The promotion of gender equality within cooperatives is also intertwined with broader social issues. Federations are increasingly recognising the importance of intersectionality—understanding how gender intersects with other forms of inequality such as race, disability, age, and sexual orientation. For instance, the FENACERCI federation in Portugal has a long history of focusing on the specific challenges faced by women with disabilities, particularly in relation to violence developing guidelines and tools to prevent violence against women with disabilities, addressing the unique barriers they face in recognizing and reporting abuse.  

Through these initiatives, cooperative federations across Europe are demonstrating a deep commitment to advancing gender equality within their sectors. By empowering women, promoting gender-sensitive policies, and fostering inclusive and intersectional approaches, these federations are creating cooperative ecosystems that are more equitable and responsive to the diverse needs of all members. 

The cooperative movement’s commitment to gender equality is both a reflection of its core values and a driver of its success. Through concerted efforts, cooperatives can continue to serve as a powerful model for gender inclusion and equity, ultimately contributing to the broader goal of creating more inclusive and diverse societies.