Grassroots Cooperatives and Informal Economy Discussed at IIT Madras
What happened
Dr. Nandini Azad, President of the Working Women’s Forum (India) and Indian Cooperative Network for Women (ICNW), spoke at IIT Madras about the cooperative movement. She highlighted how grassroots women’s cooperatives can transform economic vulnerability into ownership and leadership. Azad noted that 90% of poor women workers in India are engaged in the informal sector, often lacking adequate bargaining power or institutional support.
Why it matters
The cooperative movement is showing growing strength across South India, including operations confirmed in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka. Organizations like the Working Women’s Forum and ICNW have been working with poor women since 1978 and 1981, respectively, and now represent over 600,000 women across Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
The cooperative movement in India is reflecting growing strength.
Who's involved
- Tamil NaduState of India where the cooperative movement is active.
- Andhra PradeshSouth Indian state where the cooperative movement is active.
- TelanganaSouthern Indian state where the cooperative movement is active.
How it developed
Newest first. Tap a step to see who reported it.- Dairy cooperatives are successfully strengthening rural livelihoods in Telangana.Sub-event
Cooperative movement operations confirmed in four South Indian states.1 source
Keep exploring
Part of
The cooperative movement in India is reflecting growing strength.Also in this story
- The government has focused on promoting the growth of the cooperative movement in Punjab.
- Gandhi's vision is cited as the inspiration and engine driving the cooperative movement's inclusive growth in India.
- State strengthens cooperative movement vision involving Narendra Modi and Odisha.
The entities involved
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Tamil Nadu
state of India
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Andhra Pradesh
state in South India, India
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Telangana
state in southern India
Related events
- Several Indian states, including Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and West Bengal, are collectively seeking greater autonomy and power from the central government.
- Telangana State Road Transport Corporation operates services across various locations in Hyderabad and within the state of Telangana.
- The government is overseeing the affairs of a cooperative town bank located in Kuppam, Andhra Pradesh, and has mandated the implementation of its decisions.