2010 Theme:  "Co-operative enterprise empowers women"

CDS Co-operatives is proud to support International Day of Co-operatives which takes place on Saturday 3 July 2010.  To celebrate CDS has produced 3 case studies on some of the women we have worked with that have had their lives empowered by living and working with housing co-operatives.  They are:

• Maureen Stables - Chair of CDS Co-operatives
• Paula Farrow - Chair of Minster Housing Co-operative - Isle of Sheppey and Board Member of CDS Co-operatives
• Gladys Bunn - former Board Member of CDS Co-operatives

Every year the International Co-operative Alliance, the global umbrella body for co-operatives,calls on co-operators throughout the world to strengthen their commitment to their co-operative values and principles, celebrate their success in these difficult times, and work in partnership to ensure that they continue driving global recovery around the world.

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.

For more information on the International Day of Co-operatives please click here.