The apex body of cooperatives-NCUI celebrated International Women’s Day with full gusto and enthusiasm by organizing a glittering event in the presence of Indian boxer Sarjubala Devi, who is hailed as the next Mary Kom.
The other participants who graced the occasion included NCUI President Dileepbhai Sanghani, ICA-AP Chairman Chandra Pal Singh, NCUI Vice-Chairman Bijendra Singh, G H Amin, K Ravinder Rao, NCUI CE Sudhir Mahajan and Savitri Singh.
The theme of the event was ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’.
Addressing the participants, NCUI Chairman Dileepbhai Sanghani urged the women cooperators to associate with the cooperative movement and form a women cooperative society in their respective areas, which will help in expanding the cooperative movement.
“The cooperative movement has the power to strengthen women and can also serve the community better and their families. There are many women cooperatives in the country but it is important to expand their number”, Sanghani underlined.
In his speech, ICA-AP and Kribhco Chairman Chandra Pal Singh Yadav said, there is a need for active involvement of rural women in the cooperative movement by which they can improve their standard of living. Cooperatives can help them in gaining economic and financial abilities.
“The women of the country contribute their bit to fulfill the ‘Sahakar Se Samriddhi’ vision. The central government has taken many initiatives in strengthening women through various schemes. If information about these schemes could be disseminated properly, it could greatly help women”, said Yadav.
He also stressed on recent amendments made in the Multi State Cooperative Societies Act and 33 percent women’s reservation bill passed in parliament.
NCUI CEO Sudhir Mahajan said as per the report of the World Bank, India could boost its growth by 1.5 percentage points to 9 percent per year if around 50% of women could join the workforce. “Our esteemed organization has taken many initiatives in the interest of women and one of them is the Co-op Kitchen, which is wholly being run by women”, Mahajan noted.
“NCUI is also organizing many training programs for women as a part of capacity building. The recently amended MSCS Act has provided reservation for women on the board of cooperative organizations”, he added.
NCUI Deputy CE Savitri Singh stressed on the importance of International Women Day in empowering women.
21 ladies associated with social work and women empowerment carried out by NCUI and Tapasya Nari Seva Samiti Trust were felicitated and given awards of appreciation on this occasion.
Tapasya Nari Seva Samiti Trust, Chairperson, Ms Rishida Thakur presented a vote of thanks. 
