The Gujarat State Co-operative Union organized the State Level Women Co-operative Seminar – 2025 on March 5, 2025, at Rabindranath Tagore Hall, Paldi, Ahmedabad. Themed “Participation of Women Power through the Co-operative Sector in Developed India,” , IT was conducted in alignment with International Women’s Day and IYC 2025.
G H Amin, Chairman of GSCU, presided over the seminar, while Dileep Sanghani, President of the National Co-operative Union of India (NCUI) and Chairman of IFFCO, inaugurated the event.
Sanghani emphasized that co-operation is a cultural aspect of India and cited successful models like Amul to illustrate the transformative impact of co-operatives. He noted that while the co-operative sector presents ample employment opportunities, women’s participation remains limited.
Sanghani urged women to take advantage of government schemes under the “Prosperity through Co-operation” initiative to enhance economic empowerment and self-sufficiency.
In his presidential address, Amin underscored the importance of co-operatives in fostering gender equality and economic independence. He pointed out that out of 8.5 lakh co-operative societies in India, only 25,385 are women-specific, a number significantly low in comparison. He encouraged women to increase their representation and leadership in the sector.
Highlighting the resilience of co-operative enterprises during the global economic recession (2008-2010), Amin explained that co-operatives remained profitable even when corporate businesses suffered. He connected this stability to the global recognition of co-operatives, citing the United Nations’ decision to declare 2012 and 2025 as International Years of Co-operatives.
The seminar also acknowledged the significant support of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, who launched the International Year of Co-operatives – 2025 on November 25, 2024. Shri Amin emphasized that women have the power to shape a developed India through active participation in the co-operative sector. He urged women already engaged in co-operatives to motivate others to join and strengthen the movement.
Ms. Aarti Bisariya, Director of the National Co-operative Committee for Empowerment of Women (NCUI), released the book “Samajik Samrasta” (Social Harmony) and reiterated that co-operation is a key driver of women’s self-respect and sustainable development. She credited Gujarat’s progress to the success of its co-operative sector and highlighted women’s leadership in these initiatives. Ms. Jigishaben Mehta, MD of Seva Federation, questioned the disparity in women’s co-operative societies and urged increased representation.
The seminar featured expert speakers who provided insights on various topics: Dr. Bhumiben Pandya (Skill Development in Women), Ms. Anita Kapoor (Women Leadership), Ms. Drashtiben Oza (Government Schemes), and Ms. Varshaben More (Economic Development through Dairy Industry).
The event was attended by approximately 1,300 women members from various co-operative societies. Shri A.K. Rawal managed the event’s proceedings, while Shri C.J. Dave proposed the vote of thanks. The seminar concluded successfully, reinforcing the call for women’s increased engagement in the co-operative sector to drive economic growth and social progress.
