- Working Women’s Forum – Indian Cooperative Network for Women (WWF-ICNW) Side event at the 63rd Commission for Social Development (CSocD63) from U.N. H.Q. New York. (Held in Chennai)
- The UNCSOD-63 event entitled: “UN Year of Cooperatives: Building Women’s Cooperative Leadership Networks through Capacity Building,” will take place on February 10, 2025, from 1:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. EST.
Dr.Nandini Azad, President of the Working Women’s Forum – Indian Cooperative Network for Women (WWF-ICNW), welcomed everyone to this historic side event of the U.N. Commission for Social Development (63rd Session), being held for the third time in the historic city of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, near the tip of the South Asian subcontinent.Dr.Nandini Azad was recently at the Social summit at G20 in Brazil (November) was honoured as the only International Civil Society Activist to speak at the Inaugural of the Social Summit.
Organized by the Working Women’s Forum and the Indian Cooperative Network for Women Headquarters, UNCSOCD event today brought together speakers from Latin American Governments, Caribbean Common Market, European led oldest cooperative unions,the World Farmers Organization, bi-laterals, European union, Mass Cooperatives from most continents, participants from Africa, Asia, North America, women members, CEOs, and Dr.Nandini Azad herself, who warmly welcomed participants and shared the inspiring stories of their movement. The event connected with registered online participants from 30 countries, distinguished panellists, and over 300 grassroots women workers from various states in India, including Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Delhi, Jharkhand.
With a network that has reached 6,00,000 women across 270 trades in 13 branches throughout South India, Dr. Azad expressed deep gratitude to the U.N. Commission for Social Development (UNCSocD63) for awarding today’s panel from the U.N. Headquarters in New York. She acknowledged the trust placed in the Working Women’s Forum, a mass organization of primarily poor women workers, which has held UN ECOSOC Consultative Status for 29 years.
Recognizing the pioneering role in organizing and empowering women in the unregulated informal sector through this mass movement. Dr. Azad emphasized that their work spans across four Southern states of India: Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.
She continued by highlighting the organization’s growing influence and its rise to global leadership. Over the past 44 years, WWF-ICNW has become a key player at international forums and high tables, ensuring that the voices and issues of informal sector women is heard in the rural/urbanareas in countries of the BRICS and G20. Also in Germany, the Netherlands, Brazil, Japan, New York etc.
WWF-ICNW is now represented in both major global unions and alliances of the International Cooperative Movement, having been elected by the apex cooperative bodies of several countries. This marks an extraordinary milestone-the first time globally that a powerful mass women’s cooperative union, representing poor women from the informal sector, has become an active global player on gender and cooperative issues.
Dr.Azad thanked H.E. the President of Brazil Minister for Agrarian Development for their Solidarity with poor informal sector women cooperative world wide Mr.GustavoWestmann from the Brazilian country supported this event on social/economic event participation with great commitment and efforts.
The panel was divided into 3 sections both live and video. Firstly brief on new status report on the WWF-ICNW was given by WWF-ICNW, Dr.Nandini Azad (Speech enclosed).
- Next the Representative of the CARICOM Agricultural & Agro-Industrial Development at the CARICOM Secretariat, the speaker.Ms.MilagroMatus, hailed WWF-ICNW as a powerhouse of transformation, turning ordinary women into Innovative entrepreneurs and fearless leaders. She emphasized how the organization doesn’t just offer tools and training-it delivers a lifeline of empowerment, fueling women’s journeys from struggle to success. Through dynamic mentorship programs, WWF-ICNW is laying strong foundations, pushing women to seize leadership roles and set new standards in cooperatives and beyond. Matus also reaffirmed CARICOM’s unshakeable commitment to women-led initiatives, pledging access to resources, training, and networks that fuel entrepreneurship. She highlighted CARICOM’s active role in crafting progressive, gender-equal policies, ensuring women don’t just participate-they thrive across sectors. Dr.Nandini Azad said both Mme.Matus and head of division Mr.Shaunbaugh analysed the WWF-ICNW model better than the original best track.
- Bringing warm greetings from H.E President Lula and Minister Paulo Teixeira of Brazil (the G20 and BRICS presidency)Ms. Viviana Bezerra De Mesquita, Undersecretary for Rural Women at Brazil’s Ministry of Agrarian Development and Family Farming (MDA), delivered a power-packed address, celebrating the unstoppable force of women in cooperatives. She applauded the UN’s focus on cooperatives as driving engines of sustainable development and social equality. She revealed that women power is 45% of Brazil’s family farming workforce, driving food security and local economies despite challenges like unpaid care work and limited access to credit. But the tide is turning-Brazil’s government is on a mission to boost gender inclusion and economic freedom for rural women. Programs like PRONAF, the National Policy on Agro ecology, and the Food Acquisition Program (FAA) are game changers-with the FAA mandating 50% of food purchases from women. In 2024, a whopping 62% of food came from rural women! She also spotlighted the Productive Backyards Program, the National Program for Strengthening Rural Women’s Organizations, and the Citizenship and Wellbeing Program, which issued 22,000+ civil documents, giving women the power to claim their rights. Ms.Mesquita closed by urging more training and global partnerships to supercharge women’s roles in cooperatives, paving the way for a fairer, more inclusive world.
- IRU Dyanamic Secretary General, Andreas Kappes, praised the bold leadership of Dr.Nandini Azad and WWF-ICNW, calling them driving forces behind women’s empowerment through cooperatives. He credited their efforts with shaking up women’s leadership across sectors, turning cooperatives into foundations for empowered women leaders. Kappes stressed IRU’s firm belief in backing women, giving them the tools, networks, and platforms to rise and lead. “The future of cooperatives is female, and that future is now,” he declared. Through hard-hitting programs like training, mentorship, and capacity-building, IRU is unlocking women’s potential in cooperatives worldwide. Kappes highlighted the power of global networks connecting women from Asia to America, not just to collaborate, but to amplify their voices and drive change. He called WWF-ICNW a game-changer for women entrepreneurs, especially in rural and agricultural sectors, where women are the backbone of sustainability. With the International Year of Cooperatives (IYC) 2025 around the corner, Kappes declared it’s time to supercharge these networks and put women front and center of the global cooperative movement. Dr.Azad was the first women to be elected to the IRU in 100 year and re-elected.
- Mr. Arnold Puechd’Alissac, President of the World Farmers Organisation, delivered a powerful message on how cooperation fuels stronger communities, resilience, and sustainable growth. He called agricultural cooperatives the backbone of global food security and poverty reduction, helping farmers boost incomes through shared resources and better access to tools, markets, and knowledge. Mr.Puechd’Alissac praised women as the driving force in rural areas, leading farms and nurturing communities. He stressed that cooperatives break barriers, giving women the platform to lead and thrive. With the International Year of Cooperatives (IYC) ahead, he urged the world to strengthen cooperatives, empower women members, and ensure no one is left behind.
Key Issues discussed in the event to summarize are:
- Capacity Building and Mentorship
- Gender Inequality in Agriculture
- Global and Regional Networks
- Intersectionality of Challenges
- Empowerment through Cooperatives
- Addressing gender-based discrimination
- Policy Advocacy for Gender Equity
- Breaking Gender Norms
- Climate Change/Gender
Section-II
This Founders Day Awards – Padma Shri Jaya Arunachalam Awards for Excellence amongst Women Entrepreneurs in Cooperatives.”
Next, the Dr. H.S. Padma Shri Jaya Arunachalam Women Micro Entrepreneur Excellence Awards in South India were announced. Six awards in three states of South India honored poor women that helped their organization/cooperative by utilizing its services with commitment. Women members who for 37 years, from Rs. 200 loans (Euro 2 loans) to Rs. 1,00,000 (1000 Euros) loans, were able to, through the various holistic services, aspire, educate girls as doctors or children as engineers.
They moved their children slowly into the formal sector. Also, they moved to employing other women and slowly entered the formal sector. Till the last four years – 29 such awardees were honored from South India, who employed 3 to 4 staff each. Creating wealth and growth from the grassroots by poor women and girls. They never even defaulted! Even during Covid.”
This year 6 other Jaya Arunachalam awardees were announced today for 2024-2025 are:
1. Ms.Shanthakumari Sekar, Provision Store – Water Can, South Chennai, (T.N.) – ShanthakumariSekar, 44, from South Madras, broke free from financial struggles after her husband refused support. With WWF-ICNW loans, she built a thriving saree petticoat and water can business, now earnedRs. 1,000 daily. She credited WWF and Dr.Nandini for transforming her life and securing her daughter’s future.
2. Ms.Sasikala Krishnamoorthy, Sweet Making Business, Central Chennai, (T.N.) – From financial struggles to sweet success,Sasikala turned a Rs. 7,000 WWF-ICNW loan into a thriving business. She became financially independent, employing her husband and others, she’s not just a successful entrepreneur but also a fearless advocate against domestic violence and dowry, inspiring women in her community.
3. Ms.Deicy Rani , Tailoring Shop, Dindigul, Tamil Nadu (T.N.)-Facing the struggles of her husband’s irregular income, Deicy Rani found strength and support through WWF-ICNW. With guidance and training, she grew her small tailoring business into a thriving venture, balancing family and work while educating her children and building a secure future. Her journey reflects the power of resilience and the life-changing impact of a strong support system.
4. Ms.Malathi Kannan, Rearing Cows and Goats, Adiramapattinam, (T.N.) – From rearing goats and cows in her village to supporting her son’s journey to the U.S.A to becoming an eye doctor in America, MalathiKanan’s story was one of unwavering dedication. Through WWF-ICNW’s support, she balanced family life and farm work, building a secure home and a brighter future. Her journey reflected a womanslove and determination to rise above challenges for her children.
5. Ms.Nafees Zahra Mohamadiliys, Pottery maker, Chennapattinam, Karnataka – Nafees Zahra turned her family’s modest pottery and doll-making business into a thriving source of income, ensuring her children’s education and a stable home. With WWF-ICNW’s support, she and her husband overcame financial struggles, growing their business and transforming their lives. Today, Nafees Zahra stands proud, grateful for the journey that turned challenges into lasting success.
6. Ms.Barisetti Savithri, Petty shop, milk vendor Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh – Abandoned by her husband, Savithri faced the overwhelming challenge of raising her two sons alone. With WWF-ICNW’s support, she started a dairy business, but when it didn’t succeed, she turned to tailoring. Through hard work and guidance, she built a thriving business, and today, both her sons are employed. Savithri’s journey reflects strength, resilience, and the power of support in transforming lives.
In their heartfelt acceptance speeches, the six awardees poured out their gratitude for the unwavering support they received from WWF-ICNW. Each of them spoke of how the continuous training and timely loans not only transformed their businesses but also reshaped their lives. With voices filled with emotion, they thanked their cooperatives, the dedicated staff, and most importantly, Dr.Nandini Azad, whose leadership lit the path to their success. From provision store owners and sweet makers to tailoring shop entrepreneurs, dairy vendors, pottery makers, and those rearing cows and goats, these resilient women have defied the odds. Through perseverance and the strength of the cooperative network, they transitioned from informal to pre-formal sectors, creating employment opportunities within their communities. Their children now pursue education with bright futures ahead, while they stand as pillars of empowerment, actively involved in WWF/ICNW women-based initiatives. Six of these inspiring micro-entrepreneurs shared their journeys as case studies from South India, each story echoing the powerful impact of support, resilience, and hope.
The side event at the 63rd session of the Commission for Social Development provides a platform for global stakeholders, particularly women cooperative leaders, micro women entrepreneurs, to share their successful models, advocate for economic empowerment, and contribute to the global agenda of sustainable development through cooperative networks. The focus on inclusive family farming structures and empowering women in various trades is crucial for achieving long-term prosperity in rural and urban communities worldwide. The event showcased stories of resilience and success from women who have transitioned from informal sectors to becoming thriving business owners, creating employment, and ensuring educational opportunities for their children.
Historic, global recognition of our economic empowerment model,with over 6,00,000 members across four South Indian states and 270 trades. WWF-ICNW stood as a beacon of hope and success for poor women in the informal sector. We welcome you on behalf of our members to celebrate these inspiring journeys and the impact of women-led businesses on communities and economies.
Indeed, this event served as a powerful call to action from Dr.Nandini Azad, President of WWF-ICNW and ICPRD, urging cooperative leaders—both men and women as well as the supportive G-20, BRICS Presidency to combine financial inclusion with broader gender equality within community development. The achievements of these poor women micro-entrepreneurs highlight the critical role that cooperative networks play in driving economic growth, building resilience, and promoting sustainable development. She concluded.