Gender Issues in Cooperatives

The present work deals with a review of women's position in societies, especially in developing societies, gender inequality in all walks of life, the degree of neglect of women by society and the role cooperatives play in alleviating the sufferings of women. Cooperatives as institutions of the poor and the deprived, have a. notable role to uplift the social status and economic conditions of women. The book is divided into two main units, the First unit deals with the general aspects of women and gender issues, Discussions are placed to bring in the sufferings of women in developing countries. Examples are cited from countries covering Africa, Asia and South American continents. The current status of women and the causes for their discrimination are discussed taking the areas like agriculture, education and administration. We have relied on various sources and literature to bring forth concrete evidences to pinpoint the neglect of women. In particular we have relied heavily the reports and evidences produced by UN Agencies like the FAO and ILO. Certain theoretical discussions have also been added to strengthen our arguments as to how women are neglected traditionally due to male chauvinism. We have also suggested measures to overcome discrimination against women and to bring them to the mainstream of equality. The Second Unit deals with the gender issues relating to cooperatives. Cooperatives as agencies of development are playing as well as to play a major role in improving the lot of women members. In the membership, administration and in availing services, in very many countries, cooperatives have neglected women. We have pointed out specifically the areas of neglect of women and suggested suitable measures to overcome the hurdles. One solution to improve the betterment of women is to organize exclusive women cooperatives, especially in the areas of micro-credit and consumer distribution. In several developed as well as developing countries, women cooperatives are running successfully, which can be emulated in other countries as well as to other parts in a particular country.