Leading through Equality, Shared Leadership, and a Transformative Cooperative Culture
AGRESTA is a state-level worker cooperative dedicated to forest management, environmental consulting, rural development, and the forest bioeconomy. Since its founding, the cooperative has combined technical and environmental sustainability with a strong social commitment, promoting collaborative, democratic work models rooted in gender equality. This perspective is not an added layer, but a fundamental way of understanding cooperative life.
Through its internal regulations, equality plan, and daily practices, AGRESTA actively fosters equal opportunities between women and men, as well as co-responsibility in care and work–life balance. Measures included in its Reglamento de Condiciones Laborales y de Conciliación y Cuidados ensure participation, flexibility, and well-being for all members, making equality a lived, practical value within the organisation.
Shared leadership is at the core of AGRESTA’s identity. The current governing council is composed mostly of women forest engineers and researchers—reflecting steady progress toward parity and the recognition of diversity as an engine of innovation. Importantly, equality is understood as a collective process: women and men work together to review internal practices, balance responsibilities, and guarantee that all voices are heard.
Within this framework, the cooperative established an Equality Observatory, which analyses participation in assemblies and working groups to promote active listening, equitable speaking opportunities, and a plurality of perspectives. This tool identifies and reduces inequalities linked to gender, tenure, or responsibility level, contributing to a more horizontal and just organisational culture.
Extending Impact Beyond the Cooperative: Education, Rural Development, and Community Transformation
AGRESTA’s commitment to equality and social impact reaches far beyond its internal governance. The cooperative actively participates in educational and awareness-raising initiatives in schools, universities, and forestry congresses, promoting the visibility of women in engineering and the forest bioeconomy. In 2024 alone, it took part in nearly twenty activities directly related to gender equality and women’s visibility in the sector.
This work is complemented by strong ties to rural communities through projects such as the Jornadas de Mujer Rural in Ribatajada and the Proyecto Trajineras in Tomelloso, which promote women’s entrepreneurship, empowerment, and sustainability in rural territories. Through these collaborations, AGRESTA contributes to shaping more inclusive local economies and supporting women’s leadership in traditionally masculinised environments.
With its statewide presence, AGRESTA plays a key role in integrating forestry into rural development strategies, strengthening social cohesion, and promoting sustainable territorial economies. Its commitment to equality, cooperation, and care demonstrates that another way of managing forests—and the economy—is not only possible, but already taking shape: more equitable, participatory, and transformative.
About “Women Transforming Cooperativism”
This is an initiative of the Gender Equality Committee of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), developed within the framework of the ICA Action Plan 2025.
The campaign highlights real stories of women who, through their cooperatives, are driving economic, social, and community transformation in their territories. During the month of February 2026 and up to 8 March –International Women’s Day– representative stories from around the world will be shared on ICA’s official website and social media channels.
Aligned with the International Year of Cooperatives 2025, this initiative celebrates the leadership and contributions of women who are building a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable cooperative movement.
💜 If you have a story and would like to share it, please write to us at gec@ica.coop.
