The Women’s Cooperative Society: Empowering War-Affected Women, Transforming Through Development Partnerships
Rising from the Ashes of Conflict: In the aftermath of war, a group of 15 women banded together to form the Women’s Cooperative Society. With support from the International Labour Organization (ILO) and a donated building, they began cultivating ginger, ash plantain, and peanuts to rebuild their lives. This initial endeavor sparked a movement, with membership swelling to over 2,400 women.
Cultivating Resilience and Leadership: The society empowered women to shed societal expectations and embrace their potential as leaders. Through collective action, they transformed wastelands into productive spaces, earning income and inspiring others. The society’s success attracted attention from non-governmental organizations, paving the way for further development.
Building Skills and Confidence Through Training: Recognizing the need for holistic support, the society provided training programs focused on mental well-being, gender equality, peacebuilding, and management skills. These initiatives empowered women to overcome trauma, develop confidence, and take charge of their lives.
“Training empowered us to heal, grow, and take charge of our futures.”
Expanding Horizons Through Exports: The women’s dedication and hard work led to the successful export of papaya and peanuts, demonstrating their ability to compete in global markets. However, challenges in selling products locally arose.
DevPro’s Retail Store: A Turning Point: DevPro, a development organization, partnered with the society to establish a retail store under the theme “products produced within the town.” This initiative not only solved the issue of unsold goods but also created employment opportunities for women within the society
“The retail store became our lifeline, turning unsold goods into opportunities and creating jobs for our women.”
Marketing Expertise and Online Growth: DevPro’s technical support and marketing guidance proved invaluable. The women gained expertise in online marketing, a skill they previously lacked. This enabled them to expand their customer base and increase sales.
“DevPro’s guidance in online marketing expanded our reach, allowing us to connect with customers we never imagined.”
A Commitment to Quality and Cleanliness: The society’s emphasis on hygiene and cleanliness throughout the production and packaging process became a distinguishing factor, setting them apart from competitors.
Financial Inclusion and Economic Empowerment: In 2019, the society launched a bank offering four types of loans, including immediate loans to support women’s entrepreneurial ventures. This financial support has been transformative, with many women experiencing significant growth in their businesses.
Challenges and Triumphs: The COVID-19 pandemic presented challenges, particularly in selling garments and exporting produce. However, the women’s resilience and determination allowed them to navigate these difficulties.
A Legacy of Empowerment:
Before DevPro’s support, the women in the society faced unsold goods and limited market access, leaving them discouraged and struggling to sustain their livelihoods. After DevPro’s intervention, the retail store and marketing guidance not only revitalized their businesses but also instilled a sense of hope, pride, and financial security. As a result, the Women’s Cooperative Society has transformed the lives of countless women, enabling them to raise educated children, secure employment, and achieve financial independence—a testament to the power of collective action and development partnerships.
Statistics:
- Membership growth: 2,392 Member growth
- Business growth: Estimated 75% capacity growth for many women entrepreneurs
- Job creation: Four staff members at the retail store, plus additional jobs created through the society’s initiatives