In the framework of the ICA Global Conference 'Cooperatives for Development' taking place in Kigali from 14-17 October 2019, and to introduce our parallel session 'Women’s empowerment at the forefront of sustainable development', we asked a question to our members: 'What is gender equality for you?'.

This session aimed at sensitizing male and female participants, including leaders and decision-makers in cooperatives, and reinforcing their ability to advance women empowerment and gender equality in the cooperative movement, with a particular focus on the following aspects: promoting an enabling environment to support women’s empowerment and gender equality within cooperatives and through cooperatives; making the cooperative business model more attractive to women, including by promoting female entrepreneurship.

The session also sought to cover a number of sub-themes in addition to the two core themes aforementioned, which could include among others: tools to support women cooperators, empowerment of young women, and benefits of gender equality for the wider community.