Women Cooperators Leading Change in Asia and Pacific: Climate Action and Safer Workplaces
27 Feb 2026
Across the Asia-Pacific region, women cooperators are driving meaningful change by building knowledge, leadership, and collective resilience within their communities.
Through training, cross-country exchanges, and practical learning spaces, the ICA-Asia and Pacific Women’s Committee is fostering environments where women can develop the skills and confidence needed to lead cooperative transformation. These initiatives demonstrate how women’s leadership strengthens not only cooperatives, but also the social and environmental well-being of their territories.
Two recent programmes highlight this commitment: one focused on empowering women to take climate action through cooperative strategies in Indonesia, and another dedicated to recognising and responding to violence against women in workplace settings.
1. Strengthening Women’s Capacity and Voice in Climate Action through Cooperatives in Indonesia
In July 2025, the ICA-AP Women’s Committee held its second Training of Trainers (ToT) on Climate Change and Action in Pontianak, West Kalimantan, Indonesia. Co-organised with the INKUR Federation and the National Confederation of Cooperatives (NATCCO) from the Philippines, the training focused on enhancing women’s understanding of climate change and equipping them with tools to take action through their cooperatives.
Under the guidance of NATCCO trainers Daisybelle Cabal and Lasalette Gumban, participants explored the scientific foundations of climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, and mitigation strategies. Many participants, though familiar with its impacts, expressed that they lacked knowledge on the underlying causes. The sessions deepened their understanding while showcasing practical grassroots initiatives such as tree planting and community clean-up efforts.
A highlight of the training was the participation of ToT alumni from Bhutan’s Department of Agricultural Marketing and Cooperatives. They shared how their training had led to community awareness sessions and a government-supported compost project—demonstrating the ripple effect of empowering women leaders.
In addition, the MSU–IIT National Multi-Purpose Cooperative from the Philippines presented its award-winning green initiatives, including the integration of a “6th C of Credit” dedicated to climate considerations.
The programme concluded with participants committing to develop local climate action plans for their cooperatives, reinforcing the shared responsibility to promote environmental sustainability across the region.
2. Workshop on Recognizing and Responding to Violence Against Women in the Workplace
While environmental challenges shape many women’s daily realities, issues of safety and dignity in the workplace are equally urgent. In June 2025, the ICA-AP Committee on Women hosted an online workshop titled “From Awareness to Action: Recognizing Violence Against Women and Building Coping Capacities”, in collaboration with Sleepwell Foundation India.
Led by psychologist and UN consultant Ms. Arvinder J. Singh, the session focused on subtle yet harmful forms of violence and discrimination that women often face in professional and family settings. Participants explored examples such as microaggressions (“women can’t take a joke”), credit-stealing, love bombing, emotional manipulation, and constant criticism—behaviours that undermine confidence and contribute to toxic environments.
The workshop encouraged women to recognise negative behavioural patterns, support one another through solidarity, and rebuild confidence by setting healthy boundaries. Ms. Singh highlighted the importance of listening to discomfort, voicing concerns about inappropriate behaviour, and practising self-advocacy.
Participants from across Asia and the Pacific—representing India, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka—shared personal reflections during the session. Many spoke about the value of recognising non-physical forms of violence. One participant from Japan noted, “I initially thought gender-based violence meant physical harm. But I realized that being denied a voice or doubting oneself are also forms of violence.”
Through such dialogues, the ICA-AP Women’s Committee continues to create safe spaces where women can reflect, connect, and strengthen their emotional resilience.
A Shared Commitment to Empowerment and Well-Being
Both initiatives, on climate action and on addressing violence against women, reflect the ICA-AP Women’s Committee’s holistic approach to empowerment. Women are not only gaining the skills to lead climate responses and promote sustainability; they are also cultivating the emotional and social tools needed to foster healthier, more inclusive workplaces.
By uplifting women’s voices, strengthening cooperative leadership, and fostering cross-country learning, the cooperative movement in Asia-Pacific continues to demonstrate the power of solidarity and collective action in building a more equitable and resilient future.
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.
