Commerce
Repositioning Women through Cooperatives and Dynamics of Social Inclusion
Repositioning Women through Cooperatives and Dynamics of Social Inclusion: An Indian Perspective
Bishnu Mohan Dash1
Abstract
The term women’s empowerment has always been a subject of discussion among academicians, development practitioners and policy makers particularly after the failure of trickle down theory implemented during India’s planned development programmes which could not benefit women equally along with men. Further, the Indian patriarchal social structure based on power and control has provided glass ceiling for women and prevented them from making their rightful contributions to the social development. Despite plethora of developmental measures and constitutional legal guarantees, women have lagged behind in almost all sectors. In this context, cooperatives are emerging as a powerful instrument for gender mainstreaming and integrating women into the development process. The role of cooperatives in the empowerment of women is contested in the Indian context; however, several studies show that it has provided women the necessary space and support for promoting economic self-reliance, developing self-confidence, overcoming exploitation and taking effective steps towards achieving greater control over their lives. This paper puts forward how cooperatives have received extensive recognition as suitable institutional mechanisms for empowering the disadvantaged and marginalized women and enabling them to play a significant role in the process of sustainable economic development. The paper also highlights the role of cooperatives as economic agents of change leading to economic emancipation, developing leadership qualities, promoting financial and social inclusion, and ultimately leading to women’s empowerment by giving them the ability to make strategic choices in their lives. It also discusses the Government’s initiatives as well as opportunities and challenges for women-led
Repositioning Women through Cooperatives and Dynamics of Social Inclusion: An Indian Perspective
Bishnu Mohan Dash1
Abstract
The term women’s empowerment has always been a subject of discussion among academicians, development practitioners and policy makers particularly after the failure of trickle down theory implemented during India’s planned development programmes which could not benefit women equally along with men. Further, the Indian patriarchal social structure based on power and control has provided glass ceiling for women and prevented them from making their rightful contributions to the social development. Despite plethora of developmental measures and constitutional legal guarantees, women have lagged behind in almost all sectors. In this context, cooperatives are emerging as a powerful instrument for gender mainstreaming and integrating women into the development process. The role of cooperatives in the empowerment of women is contested in the Indian context; however, several studies show that it has provided women the necessary space and support for promoting economic self-reliance, developing self-confidence, overcoming exploitation and taking effective steps towards achieving greater control over their lives. This paper puts forward how cooperatives have received extensive recognition as suitable institutional mechanisms for empowering the disadvantaged and marginalized women and enabling them to play a significant role in the process of sustainable economic development. The paper also highlights the role of cooperatives as economic agents of change leading to economic emancipation, developing leadership qualities, promoting financial and social inclusion, and ultimately leading to women’s empowerment by giving them the ability to make strategic choices in their lives. It also discusses the Government’s initiatives as well as opportunities and challenges for women-led
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