Date: 16-03-2026 Time: 06:00 pm – 8.00 pm | Indian Standard Time (IST)
Dr.Nandini Azad, President welcomed in warm sisterhood greetings from the Working Women’s Forum (India) (WWF-I) – Indian Cooperative Network for Women (ICNW).
The Working Women’s Forum, India (WWF) and Indian Cooperative Network for Women’s (ICNW) rise to global leadership was the historic Saga highlighted by this UN parallel event at United Nations Commission on Status of the Women 70th edition with our best practices.
As the Thiru Kural, Tamil Nadu’s iconic philosophy series reminds us, “Labor without unity bears no success” (Kural 381).
Collaboration transforms marginal voices into mainstream impact. Fearless, united, and empowered—women like in WWF-ICNW from there Tamilnadu H.Q., Chennai are thus claiming their place at the high tables of the world.
Echoing Tamil Poet Subramanya Bharathi’s 1920’s revolutionary courage and Poet Thiruvalluvar’s timeless wisdom.
In the title song, our multitude of women entrepreneur warriors, fighting odds as informal sector entrepreneurs confirm a bright tomorrow in the “without fear” Leaving behind their sorrow after being part of WWF-ICNW organizations, lauded Nandini Azad.
Women in the Informal sector with multiple disabilities, low growth/investment, social/class oppression, access to productive inputs have been transformed. Women workers are mobilized into a mass national/international platform, trained as co-operators, trade unionists by WWF – ICNW.
The historic parallel event of the United Nation’s 70th edition of the Commission Status of Women (UNCSW 70) was held for the sixth time in the seaside metropolis of Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Earlier last month we were also privileged by the UN Commission on Social Development to award us the only online side event on Women’s Cooperatives worldwide – in the UN year of cooperatives. Also the only one of the women’s cooperatives in the few events held globally. We are now at the H.Q of the Working Women’s Forum and Indian Cooperative Network for Women H.Q., Chennai (3 kms from the Bay of Bengal sea). Said Dr.Nandini Azad.
The members that participated are from 13 Cooperative branches in the four Southern States of India and participants over 20 countries. They will inspire with our story, hear and connected with all of directly.
They were deeply gratitude to the UN Commission on Status of Women 70th edition (UNCSW70) for this event who trusted it to largely poor women workers mass organizations like the Working Women’s Forum (with 30 years consultative status of UN ECOSOC Status). Had started with the idea of organizing atomized, unregulated informal sector women into this mass organization. Located in 4 Southern States of India i.e., Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana.
This movements clout and its rise to global leadership is wherein in 44 years they are key players on global high tables of policy with their voices and issues heard. Be it UN H.Q New York, Rome, Brussels. WWF-ICNW stand’s represented/affiliated on most global unions/alliances of the International Cooperative Movement today, through elections/nominations /membership. Said Dr.Nandini Azad.
An extraordinary co-incidence for the first time globally that this powerful poor women’s cooperative union is an active global player on gender and cooperative issues i.e., the poor women from the informal sector.
Overall, their new lessons are about building financial and social resilience and succeed within given constraints without lowering poor women’s standards. Marching towards half a century (44 years).
The UNCSW70 parallel event titled “From the Margins to the Mainstream: Women’s Economic Empowerment through Cooperatives for access to International High tables – The Indian Cooperative Network for Women and The Working Women’s Forum (India)” was held through the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. The UNCSW General session is March 9 – 20, 2026 this year (through New York) (120 minutes) but in Chennai virtually.
The overall program was follows:
First the IRU i.e., the International Raiffeisen Union the world’s oldest cooperative union from Germany and DGRV, the association of German Cooperative Unions is represented by IRU’s, Secretary General, the dynamic, Mr. Andreas Kappes.
Next, Ms. Selvine Stephenson-GRANT, Deputy Programme Manager, of the CARICOM Agricultural & Agro-Industrial Development Guyana, Caribbean.
Later, Mr. Andrea Porro the dynamic Secretary General, World Farmers Organization (WFO) spoke.
Further Prof.Daya Goburdhun, Associate Professor, University of Mauritius, Africa.
Prof. Daniela Piscitelli, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli Caserta, Italy
Dr. Rose Karimi, Regional Director, International Co-operative Alliance-Africa will be speaking the Q & A session.
Followed by the Jaya Arunachalam Awards for Excellence in poor Womens Entrepreneurs (2025 to 2026) Awardees and Acceptance Case Studies, Awardees Participation – Response (AV)
News clip video on 14th November 2024; G-20 Social Summit, Rio de Janeiro; Dr.Nandini Azad President WWF and only International Civil Society leader honoured to speak at G20 Social summit inaugural, at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 14th November 2024.
Digital Financial Training for Poor Women: Training of Trainers in Digital Financial Literacy.
Q and A – Audience Response & Participation
The narrative for the first time innovated with WWF-ICNW film videos of our member/leaders participating as case studies will respond for enhanced understanding. To demonstrate that WWF- ICNW has acted at ground level and policy action has been conducted.
First speaker is from IRU i.e., the International Raiffeisen Union the world’s oldest cooperative union from Germany and DGRV, the association of German Cooperative Unions is represented by IRU’s, Secretary General, the dynamic, Mr. Andreas Kappes.
In his presentation he highlights speaking from Bonn, Germany, a representative of the International Raiffeisen Union (IRU) and the German cooperative movement he praises the leadership of Dr. Nandini Azad, President – WWF for her longstanding work in advancing grassroots women’s cooperatives. Her efforts were also recognized as continuing the legacy of founder, the late Jaya Arunachalam, who inspired thousands of women in India to organize and build their own institutions for economic independence.
Mr.Andreas Kappes notes that women in the informal economy have long been the backbone of families and communities, though their work often remains unrecognized. Cooperatives described as a powerful platform that enables women to organize collectively, strengthen their economic position, and develop leadership and confidence. Example from Kenya was highlighted through the Female Leaders Mentorship Program for Cooperatives (FLEP Co-op), an initiative supported by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development. The program was aims to mentor aspiring female leaders in cooperatives and contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5, which promotes gender equality and women’s participation in leadership.
Experts at the event stressed that women’s cooperatives require supportive legal frameworks, better access to finance, and sustained investment in education and leadership development. Recognizing women as equal partners in shaping economic policies, they said, is essential for inclusive and sustainable development.
Next Ms. Selvine Stephenson – Grant, Deputy Programme Manager, CARICOM Agricultural & Agro-Industrial Development Directorate of Economic Integration, Innovation and Development, Secretariat from Guyana, Caribbean spoke.
Selvine-Grant, from the CARICOM Secretariat, with the overall umbrella of CARICOM division and Mr.Shaun Baugh emphasize the importance of recognizing women’s contributions to agriculture and rural economies. While greeting from the Caribbean Community, Stevenson-Grant noted that women across the Caribbean, India, and many parts of the Global South play vital roles as farmers, vendors, processors, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. Despite their significant contributions to food systems and informal markets, she said women’s labour often remains invisible and their leadership under-recognized.
She highlighted cooperatives as a powerful mechanism for change, enabling women to move from individual economic struggle to collective strength. Through cooperatives, women can pool resources, access credit, improve market opportunities, and participate in democratic decision-making, thereby transitioning from vulnerability to structured participation in formal markets. Stevenson-Grant stressed that economic empowerment must also lead to stronger representation in decision-making spaces—from local councils to global policy forums. Organized through cooperatives, women gain the scale and structure needed to influence policy and access international platforms.
In the Caribbean region, initiatives such as the Caribbean Network of Rural Women Producers (CANRWP) have demonstrated how networks of rural women farmers and agri-processors can strengthen bargaining power, expand market access, and amplify women’s voices in regional agricultural discussions. She also points out that cooperatives enhance resilience, particularly during supply chain disruptions and climate shocks, as collective organization allows producers to share knowledge, reduce risks, and recover more quickly.
Looking ahead, Stevenson-Grant called for modernization of cooperative systems through digital marketing platforms, improved traceability, financial literacy programs, governance training, and better access to growth capital. She emphasizes that importance of creating pathways for cooperative leaders to participate in regional and global decision-making spaces.
Speaker Selvine also lauds the work of the Working Women’s Forum and the Indian Cooperative Network for Women, noting that their journey from grassroots mobilization to international recognition illustrates. How structured support, training, and financial inclusion can help women move beyond the margins and shape the center of economic leadership. Concluding her remarks, Stevenson-Grant reaffirms the Caribbean’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and knowledge exchange across regions to ensure that women-led cooperatives are visible, valued, and represented at every level of economic decision-making.
Next the World Farmers Organisation (WFO), one the largest farmer organisation in the world, Secretary General the very dynamic, Mr.Porro thanked Nandini Azad, President of the Indian Cooperative Network for Women (ICNW). For organizing the event and for her continued contribution to WFO through leadership roles in its Cooperatives Working Group and Women’s Committee. Being spokes person for WFO in the World.
In his remarks, the dynamic Mr.Andrea Porro notes that women farmers play a crucial role in global food production, rural economies, and community resilience. Despite their vital contributions to agriculture and family well-being, women’s roles often remain marginalized. Their voices are still underrepresented in national and international decision-making platforms.
He highlights that women frequently work in lower-paid and informal agricultural jobs while also carrying a greater share of unpaid care responsibilities. Limited access to land, financial services, training, technology, and markets further restricts their participation in higher-value agricultural opportunities. Porro also points out that women in rural areas often perform multiple roles simultaneously—as farmers, entrepreneurs, caregivers, and community leaders—yet much of their work remains undervalued in economic and policy frameworks.
WFO, meaningful progress requires structural change, including equal access to resources, stronger leadership opportunities for women in farmer organizations and cooperatives, and their active participation in global governance and decision-making processes. He stresses that women-led cooperatives can play a transformative role by promoting financial inclusion, strengthening collective voices, and enabling women to participate in policy discussions beyond the local level.
Marking “the International Year of Women Farmers in 2026”, Porro said recognizing women farmers is not only a matter of equality but also essential for building resilient and sustainable food systems worldwide. He concluded by reaffirming WFO’s commitment to working with women’s cooperatives and farmer organizations globally to ensure that women’s contributions are fully recognized and their voices are present where critical decisions are made.
Prof. Daya Goburdhun, Associate Professor, University of Mauritius.
Ms.Daya Goburdhun highlighted how organized groups of women are transforming livelihoods, strengthening local economies, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices across the island nation.
Mauritius, known for its agriculture, vibrant markets, and rich cultural heritage, has seen women take a leading role in cooperative initiatives that blend traditional knowledge with modern farming and marketing techniques. These cooperatives are helping women diversify products, build stronger communities, and create sustainable income sources.
One notable example is the South East Ladies Association (SELA), a group of women who turned adversity into opportunity after an oil spill affected coastal livelihoods. With training and support, members shifted to organic farming, developed low-cost strip irrigation systems, and built composting facilities. They also initiated a vegetable garden at a local primary school to share agricultural knowledge with younger generations.
Another successful initiative is led by Patricia Currin, president of the La Coccinelle Biofarming Cooperative. The cooperative produces vegetables, spices, condiments, and processed animal products while also converting farm waste into bio-fertilizer. With government support, the cooperative secured leased land, built greenhouses and animal sheds, and expanded its facilities through additional investments such as water tanks and equipment for sustainable farming.
Women entrepreneurs are also active in agro-processing and local food production. Members of the Lescalée Women Entrepreneurs’ Cooperative Society Limited produce and sell sweets, spices, fruits, and vegetables, benefiting from grants that helped them purchase utensils and build shared storage facilities. Similarly, the Entrepreneurs’ Cooperative Society has received support to acquire ovens and mixers for producing sweets and agricultural products.
Government initiatives by the Ministry of Industry, SMEs and Cooperatives have played a significant role in strengthening women cooperatives. Programs such as the Boosting Local Production Scheme provide grants for agricultural equipment, agro-processing tools, seedling production, organic fertilizer production, and livestock activities. In addition to financial assistance, the government offers technical training, project development support, and capacity-building programs through the National Cooperative College.
Experts noted that women are increasingly using digital platforms and social media to market their products and reach wider audiences. Leaders such as Mrs. Mahade, president of the Lucky Women Entrepreneurs’ Cooperative Society, emphasized that cooperatives provide women with a stronger collective voice and greater influence in economic decision-making.
Overall, women cooperatives in Mauritius are creating safe spaces for women to share skills, pool resources, and negotiate better market access. Beyond generating income, these organizations are strengthening families, supporting communities, and contributing to national economic growth.
Next Prof. Daniela Piscitelli, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli Caserta, Italy presented.
Italian architect and professor Daniela Piscitelli,” highlighted the importance of empowering marginalized women through design, education, and community initiatives. Piscitelli, professor at the University of Campania Luigi Van Vitelli in southern Italy, attended the event at the invitation of social activist Nandini Azad. She was the first female president of the Italian Association of Visual Communication Design after 70 years of male leadership and co-founded the Women in Design Awards in 2011 to recognize women designers from marginalized backgrounds. During her speech, she highlighted projects such as Nova Libaneria Mediterranea, which trains vulnerable women in traditional weaving in Maratea, Italy, helping them gain skills and employment opportunities. She also described a student project that documented the stories of survivors of gender-based violence and resulted in a magazine and a traveling exhibition across Italy. Piscitelli emphasized that economic independence, equal opportunities, and strong community networks are essential to combating gender-based violence and supporting women’s empowerment worldwide, including through cooperatives.
Next Jaya Arunachalam (J.A) Awards in memory of Padma Shri Dr.H.S. Jaya Arunachalam founder and International Social Worker
Five awards are being given from three states of South India constituted to honour very poor women that availed WWF-ICNW’s organization/ cooperative services with commitment. Women members who for 37 years, availed Rs.200 – Rs.50,000 loans, were able to, through the various holistic services, aspire, educate girls as doctors or children as engineers. Most of them are moving their children slowly into the formal sector. Also, they have moved to employing other women generating jobs and employment. In the last four years – 29 such awardees were honored from South India, who employed 5 to 6 staff each.
Creating wealth and growth from the grassroots by poor women and girls. Enhancing WWF-ICNW organization through growth Never ever defaulted! Even during Covid.”
This year 5 Jaya Arunachalam awardees were awarded for the year 2025-2026 for excellence in entrepreneurs. These are:
The event highlights awardees response in 5 video case studies (WWF-ICNW).
Ms. Jayanthi Prabhakaran, Mugappair in Chennai, joined the WWF and ICNW to start her own business and support her family i.e., through tailoring. Her husband’s income was not sufficient Driven by a desire to help other women accessing rights, she took a larger loan to study law. She could become an advocate, supporting poor women and helping them find justice through legal aid.
Ms. Indira Ravi, from North Chennai turned ₹1,000 into a thriving Ferris wheel business, supporting her family and raising two professionals (Doctor/Lawyers)—an inspiring example of ICNW’s cooperative model empowering semi-literate women for sustainable livelihoods. Towards creating professionals from the informal sector to formal sector.
Ms. Bhuvaneshwari Santhosam from Adiramapattinam, Tamil Nadu, leveraged education and successive loans to grow a computer training centre, supporting her family, and demonstrating how women’s empowerment drives gender equality and sustainable development
Ms. Eswari from South Chennai turned small loans into a successful garland business, boosting her household income and inspiring other women, showcasing WWFICNW’s impact on financial inclusion and community empowerment.
Ms. Baki Jayalakshmi, Narasapur from Andhra Pradesh grew a small loan into a thriving hotel business, supporting disciplined financial practices. It was useful for her children’s education and demonstrating how WWFICNW empowers women’s economic independence and resilience.
Poor Women’s Cooperatives as Global Drivers of Social Justice
Global Leadership of WWF- ICNW: Grassroots to policy high tables given below are WWF-ICNW Global leadership illustration.
G20 Social Summit – 2024
G20 participation of WWF-ICNW (2024) is highlighted in a brief video where their representative (WWF President) was honoured to be the only International Civil Society Representative Dr Nandini Azad (President WWF) spoke at the inaugural address of the G20 social summit,(Rio De Janerio, Brazil) There she highlighted the exemplary record of WWF-ICNW as mass women’s Cooperatives that built agency and empowerment of poor women. G20 was requested to setup the “Hunger and Poverty Commission. Include women in all aspects of Governance here; and at all levels of society. Dr.Azad requesting the Brazil presidency and H.E President Lula, the Foreign Minister, the Minister for the presidents office and G20 representative across the globe. To help accelerate this process followed by thunderous applause.
Indeed, voices from the ground, which had travelled 20 hours to reach and convey the powerful message from Chennai WWF-ICNW” relayed to U.N. H.Q., New York and over the globe.
Digital financial literacy training at WWFICNW film on how crisis and pandemic can be won is highlighted with the training and women trainees response after undergoing it. A Training of Trainers in Digital Literacy for the WWF-ICNW is shown in a short clip.
Women members of WWFICNW were confidently making choices about their lives and businesses.
They understand their rights, manage the selling and promotion of their products, and are using digital tools to run and grow their enterprises. This change has come from training in empowerment, money management, and using technology to support their financial activities.
WWFICNW’s digital financial literacy training has brought simple technology into the hands of many women workers. Through practical lessons on digital payments and online money management, women have learned how to use mobile phones and apps to send and receive money, track business transactions, and access financial services without depending on others. These skills have helped them take more control of their earnings and become more secure in their financial decisions. Children of fisher people, labour etc., are now programmers in these organizations.
United Nations
WWF-ICNW President was invited to UN High Level Political Dialogue panel on SDGs to the World Cooperative Day at UN Plaza, New York (2017) as only Asian representing poor women’s mass cooperatives on “poverty reduction and gender equity.
President WWF/ICNW could open Main India Panel at the 63rd Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of
Women (UNCSW), N.Y in March 2019. (Organized by the Permanent mission of India (PMI), New York. The link of presentation at the 63rd UNCSW, (poor women’s entrepreneurship) UN Plaza. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Re-eRTMaiQw.
Awarded 7 times UN Parallel events at UNCSW (focal point on cooperatives UNDESA, N.Y.,) and 65, 66, 67, 68th 69th and now 70th edition of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (only global women’s cooperative could continuously conduct it).
Participants
Global and Grassroots cooperatives leaders, youth icons was advocate WWF’s/ICNW’s women’s leadership model participants would include the International Raiffeisen Union (Oldest Cooperative Union Globally), World Farmers Organization (WFO), CARICOM, Cooperative leaders from Asia/ Latin America/ Africa/ Europe and so forth. Along with 250 grassroots cooperative leaders in 13 diverse locations of South India, vegetable /fruit/fish/flower/fish vendors, weavers, artisans, lace makers, incense stick rollers, intellectuals, academicians social activists, media too participated.
Indeed, poor women co-operators setting global policy agenda – a unique cooperative moment in United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW) history Concludes Dr.Nandini Azad.
The panel was followed by a long Question and Answer session that we could not have last time in Feb. 2026. Grassroots women was answered questions directly with translation from audience in several continents.
