Rural Women Breaking Barriers in Cooperative World
Gender is becoming less of an obstacle for
women seeking a larger role in the governance and management of cooperatives in the United
States. Our society increasingly supports, rather than discourages, women in taking
non-traditional roles in the business life of the nation. Against this backdrop, women are
breaking barriers at all levels as they assume leadership roles in cooperatives of all
sizes and types. As this issue of Rural Cooperatives demonstrates, they can be
found serving as delegates, directors, supervisors and managers. It is fitting that this
magazine is being published as we approach the Second International Conference on Women in
Agriculture, to be held in Washington, D.C., June 28-July 2, 1998.
By providing members with an ownership stake in
a business, cooperatives provide members with a significant degree of independence and the
ability to guide their own destiny. These are critical factors in motivating rural people
- men and women - to form sustainable cooperatives.
This magazine features articles about women who
play key roles as leaders and/or members of handcraft and fishery co-ops, as worker-owners
of a garment factory and as leaders of farm supply/marketing cooperatives. It will also
introduce you to women who hold leadership roles in electric or telephone cooperatives, a
regionally owned marketing cooperative, a mutual insurance company and a federal financial
agency that serves cooperatives.
One of the best methods of introducing women to
the role cooperatives play in our local communities and economy is found in Young Producer
or Couples Conferences, sponsored by regional cooperatives and state cooperative councils.
These educational programs provide an opportunity to learn about cooperative basics, such
as governance systems, methods of capitalizing cooperatives, the importance of member
marketing agreements and the nature of farm supply, marketing and/or service functions of
cooperatives.
A key to successful recruitment of women into
leadership roles is to help members develop a fundamental understanding about the division
of labor between the board of directors and management, emphasizing that the board
provides policy guidance and that management oversees the day-to-day operations of the
cooperative business. These conferences are often a stimulus for younger members to take
an active role in governance of their cooperatives.
Cooperatives empower individuals to better
guide their lives and economic destinies. By embracing democratic ideals, they are a
natural building block for development of community leadership. That is why in many rural
communities throughout the nation, women are taking a more active interest in this
business form and are contributing to help them to attain their goals.
    |