ICA-Americas Newsletter Issue Nº 11 // December 2011

AN IMPORTANT STEP FOR CREATION OF A NETWORK OF ROCHDALE DECLARED WORLD WORKER IN THE UTILITIES COOPERATIVES CAPITAL OF COOPERATIVES REGION The creation of a network within the The motion to designate Rochdale, UK, as On November 15 the constituent As‐ ICA was the main conclusion reached by the World Capital of Cooperatives was sembly of CICOPA‐Americas was held leading delegates from adopted by the ICA General Assembly in and its Rules were approved. Europe and the Americas in Cancun GA. Cancun, Mexico. (page 10) (page 11) (page 8)

Inside ICA launched 2012 UN IYC p. 3 ICA General Assembly 2011 Mexican President said a strong co‐operative economy is vital for Mexico MEXICAN PRESIDENT SAID p. 5 A STRONG CO-OPERATIVE Communication experts discussed cooperative challenges and opportunities ECONOMY IS VITAL FOR p. 6 MEXICO Important decisions at the General Assembly (page 5) p. 8

Mexico makes the most of being the venue of the most important event of the cooperative movement p. 9 ICA LAUNCHED 2012 An important step forward for worker cooperatives in the region p. 10 UN INTERNATIONAL YEAR

Cooperative leaders boost the creation of a Network of Utilities OF COOPERATIVES Cooperatives p. 11

Cooperatives have a privileged position to promote gender equity in enterprises p.12

ICA launched Coop ‘art contest for young co‐operators p.14

ICA supports the establishment of institute on co‐ops and peace p.15

Rochdale awards handed out in Cancun at General Assembly p.15

ICA-Americas Newsletter is an e-publication of the International Co-operative Alliance for the Americas COOPERATIVES HAVE A PRIVILEGED POSITION TO PROMOTE GENDER

EQUITY IN ENTERPRISES (page 12)

COMMUNICATION EXPERTS [email protected] DISCUSSED COOPERATIVE Phone: + (506) 2296 0981 Fax: + (506) 2231 5842 CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES PO BOX: 6648 -1000 (page 6) San José, Costa Rica

{ The Editor’s Pen }

Biggest ever attendance at ICA General Assembly It is impossible to start writing this special edition of our ICA‐Americas Newsletter without congratulating and thanking the global cooperative movement and coop‐ eratives in our region in particular, for the enthusiasm and commitment with which they are rising up to the challenge of working from their cooperatives in the construction of a better world. Firstly, we would like to highlight the hospitality of the Mexican people during the Manuel Mariño celebration of all the activities related to the ICA General Assembly, held from 14 ICA Americas to 18 November in Cancun, Mexico, which marked the launch of the 2012 Inter‐ Regional Director national Year of Cooperatives. In the 116 years of history of the ICA, its General Assembly had never achieved such high attendance of participants from all over the world: more than 2000 cooperative representatives from 78 countries on five continents! Also, it is important to point out that over 1,400 of those people represented cooperatives of the Americas. In addition, the event offered online streaming; and as a result, it probably had a virtual participation of thousands of people from all over the world.

One of the most important moments of the event was the launch of the 2012 “ In the 116 years International Year of Cooperatives. World leaders at the ceremony agreed on the of history of the great opportunity of such designation to show that cooperatives are a solution ICA, its General for many of the economic and social problems we are facing today. Assembly had The academic level of the General Assembly was excellent, with international ex‐ never achieved perts who remarked the importance of communication and the need to increase the visibility of the movement. such high attendance of In this special edition we share with you some of the highlights of the event. You can read all the information related to the International Year of Cooperatives, participants the speech of the ICA President, Dame Pauline Green and of the Secretary‐ from all over the General of the United Nations, Ban Ki‐moon, who sent his message by video. world ... Last but not least, we offer an exclusive interview with a delegation from the

World Bank on gender equity in the Latin American context and its link with co‐ ” operatives; and a brief summary of the most remarkable aspects that took place within the framework of this successful 2011 General Assembly.

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ICA LAUNCHED 2012 UN INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF COOPERATIVES

The largest ever gathering event of the co‐operative movement came together in Mexico to launch 2012 as the United Nations International Year of Co‐operatives.

At a time when national economies ing banking, credit, insurance, are faced with high unemployment housing, health, retail and agricul‐ “ Co-operatives and financial instability, the Inter‐ ture. are a unique national Co‐operative Alliance (ICA) The International Year designation launched the UN International Year provides an opportunity for co‐ and invaluable focused on a unique way of doing operatives globally to come to‐ presence in business ‐ co‐operative enterprise. gether and to raise awareness of their way of doing business. The today’s world. The official launch of the 2012 In‐ ternational Year of Co‐operatives theme for both the conference and They help to by the ICA aims to promote a self‐ for the International Year is ― Co‐ reduce poverty help and development model that operative Enterprises Build a Better is also a serious business model. To World. and generate commemorate the event, more Since the United Nations declared jobs. than 2000 delegates from over 80 2012 as the International Year of Co countries gathered in Cancun for ‐operatives, the ICA has stated that ” the official ICA launch and to con‐ the global movement has been Ban Ki-moon sider how to create the conditions given a ‘once‐in‐a‐generation’ op‐ UN Secretary General that ignite the growth of co‐ portunity to take a massive step

operative enterprises throughout forward, and lead the growth of the the decade. Delegates come from co‐operative movement in all parts all sectors of the economy, includ‐ of the globe.

ICA-Americas Newsletter // Issue Nº 11 // December 2011 3

President Dame Pauline Green who officially launched the Inter‐ national Year at the opening cere‐ mony of the General Assembly said: “To do this, we need to mas‐ sively increase the knowledge and visibility of the size and sustain‐ ability of our business model, and of its reach into virtually every community across the world. Our General Assembly in Cancun af‐ fords us the opportunity to raise our global profile by using IYC 2012 to create common global messages and a common global presence, to influence key decision makers worldwide to support our movement that is producing solu‐ credit unions, a type of co‐ reduce poverty and generate tions to the economic and sustain‐ operative, because they trust jobs,” he continued. ability problems of today’s world.” them.” said International Co‐ In his message, Moon emphasised Co‐operatives are successful val‐ operative Alliance Director‐ the role that co‐operatives play in ues‐based businesses that are General Charles Gould. “The de‐ strengthening communities so‐ owned and democratically con‐ mand for this type of banking indi‐ cially and economically. He recog‐ trolled by their members—the cates that consumers want busi‐ nised that co‐operatives are value‐ people who use the co‐op‘s ser‐ nesses that put their needs first.” based businesses and are rooted vices or buy its goods. Ban Ki‐moon called co‐operatives in their communities because they are owned by their members. a “unique and invaluable pres‐ Co-operatives have ence in today’s world” In closing, Moon called upon ICA President Dame Pauline Green, “ UN Secretary General congratu‐ been resilient dur- the audience and the co‐operative lated the ICA and co‐operative ing this economic community to “create better busi‐ community on sustainable busi‐ nesses and a better world” crisis, building a ness model that reduces poverty through co‐operative enterprise. better world for and generates jobs. “I thank Secretary General Moon their members, and In a video message played to an for his message on behalf of the the International audience of over two thousand global co‐operative movement,” Year of Coopera- delegates attending the ICA Gen‐ said Dame Pauline Green as she eral Assembly in Cancun, Mexico, tives offers us all an launched the International Year on United Nations Secretary General behalf of the International Co‐ opportunity to take Ban Ki‐moon congratulated the operative Alliance at the General this message to the ICA and its members for their con‐ Assembly. “As he noted, co‐ tributions to the global common operatives have been resilient dur‐ people of the world. good. Moon’s message came a ing this economic crisis, building a little over two weeks after the better world for their members, Dame Pauline Green ” United Nations launch of Interna‐ and the International Year of Co‐ ICA President tional Year of Co‐operatives, tak‐ operatives offers us all an oppor‐ ing place in the year 2012. tunity to take this message to the “Consumers have lost trust in the “Co‐operatives are a unique and people of the world. It’s our op‐ traditional banking system and are invaluable presence in today’s portunity to tell this positive, pow‐ joining co‐operative banks and world,” said Moon. “They help to erful story.”

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MEXICAN PRESIDENT SAID A STRONG CO‐OPERATIVE ECONOMY IS VITAL FOR MEXICO

Mexican President pledged his told the global audience that as we will hold, but also with actions, support to the co‐operative move‐ President he had the privilege of positive actions and constructive ment and told the General Assem‐ visiting many co‐operative enter‐ actions.’ prises in Mexico on different scales bly that Mexico will actively par‐ ICA President Dame Pauline Green and in different sectors where he ticipate in the International Year. thanked the Mexican President for had seen ‘the social economic con‐ The President of the United States the honour of his visit and ex‐ tribution of co‐operatives’. of Mexico, Felipe Calderón, ad‐ tended her thanks to the Mexican dressed the international co‐ The President continued "You have co‐operative movement for their operative community on the last contributed to develop the capaci‐ gracious hospitality. day of the ICA’s biennial General ties of the less fortunate ones; She paid personal tribute to the Assembly. The head of state of the helped strengthen the social fabric President on his government’s host nation told the participants of that has been damaged by the achievements in extending health the General Assembly that Mexico challenges that we have before us. and education services over the shares the values of the co‐ Thanks to the co‐operative move‐ past five years of this presidency. operative movement. He stated ment, millions of human beings ‘We share the values of co‐ have been able to overcome pov‐ Dame Pauline outlined why it was operativism. Mutual help, fair em‐ erty and discrimination." so important for the International ployment, corporate social respon‐ Calderón renewed his govern‐ Year to be taken seriously by key sibility, sustainable human devel‐ ment’s commitment to the UN In‐ political and economic decision‐ opment, the participation of citi‐ ternational Year of Cooperatives makers. ‘Our aim is to make a zens and democracy.’ with the words ‘we will use the UN breakthrough in the level of knowl‐ The G20 leader spoke candidly Year to spread the message about edge about the values led, member about his experience of co‐ co‐operatives amongst the Mexi‐ owned co‐operative business ex‐ operatives and about the value can people’. perience. This is not an alternative model to our investor led competi‐ that he saw those enterprises He also told delegates that Mexico tors, but we believe it is a better bringing to society, not just in will actively participate in the Inter‐ way to do business ‐ putting people terms of the economy but also in national Year: ‘We will participate, terms of human investment. He not only with celebrations, which first.’

ICA-Americas Newsletter // Issue Nº 11 // December 2011 5

Key conferences COMMUNICATION EXPERTS DISCUSSED COOPERATIVE CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Media guru Sam Graham‐Felsen and Philippe Cousteau, environmentalist, journalist and filmmaker, addressed the ICA General Assembly with a message that co‐operatives hold the answer to many of the big challenges facing the world and that the movement needs to en‐ gage more and more people who are looking for a better world.

Sam Graham‐Felson, Obama’s outset of the International Year of paign blog. The BBC declared that Chief Campaigner Blogger encour‐ Co‐operatives, the opportunities ‘internet was key to Obama victo‐ aged the global co‐operative move‐ for the co‐operative movement to ries’ in the presidential race. The ment to embrace new technology harness the passion of young peo‐ Obama new media team recog‐ and to use the launch of the UN’s ple calling for change and looking nised the power of ordinary people International Year of Co‐operatives for a different way, especially in and used technology to help them to spread the word about co‐ light of the recent Occupy move‐ to organise. $500 million dollars operatives online. ment demonstrations around the was raised online for Obama’s cam‐ He told ICA General Assembly that world. He added ‘This is your mo‐ paign in mostly small donations, the opportunities to spread the ment ‐ go with it and make the two thirds of all campaign funds message of co‐operatives using most of it’. raised. By the end of the campaign social media are there for the tak‐ Sam Graham‐Felson worked on Obama’s team had 13 million peo‐ ing. Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential ple on their email list, by far the Graham‐Felson highlighted at the campaign and ran the main cam‐ largest list in political history.

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Co‐operatives have the potential to change the status‐quo’ Philippe Cousteau told the ICA Gen‐ eral Assembly that the co‐operative movement has solutions to the big global issues that will provide the world with hope for the future. Philippe Cousteau expressed his view that the economic status quo is not working with the words ‘The world is setting itself up for failure’. He went on to tell the conference that ‘the status‐quo will change. It is up to us to change it on our terms’ Mr Cousteau highlighted the values of the co‐operative movement, which are rooted in local communi‐ ties. ‘Co‐operatives are not just run by some distant executive commit‐ tee worried about profit margins. By tinue to empower women in this their very nature co‐operatives care about communities. The very values way. of sustainability that you need to He asserted his support for the co‐ “ Co-operatives are not even be considered a co‐operative, operative movement with the words just run by some are the values that the world needs ‘I am with you. I am so excited to embrace if we are going to have a about the potential of the co‐ distant executive sustainable future’. He added ‘These operative movement. A movement committee worried are the values that you stand for which has been around for a long about profit margins. and you have always stood for. The time, but a movement that has the world just needs to hear about potential to blossom and reignite By their very nature them.’ passion in the world’ co-operatives care He took the opportunity to encour‐ Cousteau is a member of the legen‐ about communities. age the co‐operative movement to dary family of ocean explorers. His continue its work to inspire young grandfather was the explorer The very values of people with a co‐operative message Jacques Cousteau and Philippe is sustainability that of hope. ‘Co‐operatives should focus continuing this legacy by educating you need to even be on young people. You need to do the public about environmental and everything you can to channel the conservation issues. In 2000, he co‐ considered a passion of young people because founded EarthEcho International co-operative, are young people have the power to with his sister Alexandra Cousteau. change consumer behaviour’ EarthEcho International is based in the values that the Mr Cousteau also stressed the im‐ Washington, D.C. and its mission is world needs to portance of the work that co‐ to ‘empower youth to take action embrace if we are operatives do to promote equality that protects and restores our water in a world where for so long women planet.’ He also works as a reporter going to have a have not been considered as equals. for CNN and for the Discovery Chan‐ sustainable future. nel, as well as being Chief Ocean He told the conference that the fact that co‐operatives around the world Correspondent for Animal Planet Philippe Cousteau give women a vote who have never and Planet Green, where he is creat‐ had a voice was an ‘amazing thing’ ing a series of ocean documentary and he urged the movement to con‐ programmes. ”

ICA-Americas Newsletter // Issue Nº 11 // December 2011 7

Rochdale declared World Capital of Cooperatives

IMPORTANT DECISIONS AT THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Two initiatives presented by ICA‐Americas were discussed at the General Assembly: the motion to designate Rochdale as the World Capital of Cooperatives, which was approved unanimously, and the proposal for the modification of the 7th Cooperative Principle, which was not approved but it was agreed to refer the issue back to the ICA Board and to consider it again in Manchester next year.

The motion to designate Rochdale, ment comes as the borough pre‐ President Dame Pauline Green UK, as the World Capital of Coop‐ pares to welcome visitors from said: "I am absolutely delighted eratives was adopted by the ICA around the world for the Interna‐ that Rochdale has been given this General Assembly in Cancun, Mex‐ tional Year of Cooperatives next international recognition. The turn‐ ico. year. over of the world’s 300 biggest co‐ ops now amounts to over US $1.6 The Rochdale Society of Equitable Council Leader, Councillor Colin trillion. The 28 Rochdale Pioneers Pioneers was a group of weavers Lambert, said: "This is fantastic spawned a worldwide Movement and other community members news and a real boost to the bor‐ which is owned by nearly one bil‐ who formed an early consumer co‐ ough and our plans for 2012. Roch‐ lion people and, according to the operative in 1844. Today’s Co‐ dale has always been acknowl‐ United Nations, now serves over operative Principles are based on edged as the place where the Co‐ half the world’s population. the original set of cooperative prin‐ operative Movement started but ciples drafted by the Rochdale Pio‐ to be formally recognised as the Some countries have adopted na‐ neers. Rochdale is located about World Capital is outstanding and tional capitals of co‐operatives 16 km from Manchester. something everyone can be proud such as Sunchales in Argentina and of." Nova Petrópolis in Brazil but this is One year ago, in November 2010, The motion called for Rochdale to the first time a World Capital has during the IX ICA‐Americas Re‐ have the unique status given it was gional Assembly celebrated in Bue‐ been proposed. where the Rochdale Pioneers nos Aires, Argentina, ICA‐Americas opened the Toad Lane shop, set‐ ICA TO CONSIDER PROCESS FOR agreed to present a motion for the ting out for the first time the val‐ AMENDING 7TH COOPERATIVE declaration of Rochdale as the ues and principles that were the PRINCIPLE World Capital of Cooperatives. On catalyst for the global Cooperative Friday, 18 November ACI General The IX ICA‐Americas Regional As‐ Movement. Assembly gathered in Mexico ap‐ sembly celebrated in Buenos Aires, proved the motion. The announce‐ Following the declaration, ICA Argentina, also agreed to present a

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motion for the modification of the the need to protect the environ‐ a process for amending the princi‐ Seventh Cooperative Principle ment. ples, to be considered at a special (Concern for community) adding meeting of the ICA General Assem‐ While most if not all delegates the words "and environmental sus‐ bly in Manchester next year. agreed with the spirit of the resolu‐ tainability". tion, many felt they had not been The resolution was one of two re‐ Delegates to the ICA General As‐ given the opportunity to consult lated to environmental sustainabil‐ sembly voted to refer back to the their members in their home coun‐ ity discussed at the General Assem‐ ICA board this resolution which tries. bly. Delegates voted overwhelm‐ would amend the Seventh Princi‐ ple to read "Concern for commu‐ David Button, chair of Co‐ ingly in support of a resolution urg‐ nity and environmental sustainabil‐ operatives UK, moved that the is‐ ing ICA member organization to ity." ICA‐Americas had proposed sue be referred back to the ICA use sustainable timber and forest this change in an effort to reinforce board, and that the board develop products.

MEXICO MAKES THE MOST OF BEING THE VENUE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT EVENT OF THE COOPERATIVE MOVEMENT

Before the inauguration of ICA Mexican sector will seek the sup‐ to slow development of the sec‐ General Assembly, Ramón Impe‐ port of the government, legisla‐ tor. rial Zúñiga, ICA‐Americas Presi‐ tors and financial authorities to He stated that there are more dent, announced the beginning of ensure an adequate legal frame‐ than 10 thousand cooperatives a big national crusade to highlight work and public policies in accor‐ and other entities of savings and credit unions’ image. He argued dance with a sector that brings loan, but there is no real data that credit unions are a viable al‐ together 5 million Mexicans and about what is their impact on the ternative for millions of Mexicans encourages productive sectors. Gross Domestic Product (GDP). to face the crisis ahead. He pointed out that in Mexico During his speech, he explained there is a strong cooperative cul‐ He also stressed that during 2012 credit unions are very successful ture but the lack of public policies there will be a lot to do to pro‐ around the world and that the for the cooperative sector has led mote the "culture of cooperation".

ICA-Americas Newsletter // Issue Nº 11 // December 2011 9

AN IMPORTANT STEP FORWARD FOR WORKER COOPERATIVES IN THE REGION: RE‐LAUNCH OF CICOPA‐AMERICAS

On November 15 ‐in the frame‐ can be member as long as it is di‐ Javier Salaberría, President of CI‐ work of the ICA General Assem‐ rectly related to the sector. It can COPA and Bruno Roelants, Execu‐ bly in Cancun, Mexico‐ the con‐ be either individual cooperatives or tive Secretary of CICOPA, were also stituent Assembly of CICOPA‐ integration bodies. present in the Assembly, as well as Americas was held and its Rules CICOPA‐Americas is expected to Manuel Mariño, Regional Director were approved. Thus, the sec‐ formally gather every two years but of ICA‐Americas. There were also toral organization, which has as there could be extraordinary meet‐ representatives from Mexico, Italy, one of its objectives to "support ings at any time. The activities will Argentina and Costa Rica. the development of initiatives be developed in coordination with CICOPA‐Americas Board was unani‐ that foster the creation of worker ICA‐Americas and its Regional Of‐ mous elected: fice. cooperatives in the Americas" President: Arildo Mota, UNISOL was finally constituted. It should be pointed out that CI‐ (Brazil) The International Organisation of COPA‐Americas member organiza‐ Vice‐president: Rebecca Kemble, Industrial, Artisanal and Service tions will be able to organize them‐ USWFC (United States) selves at sub‐regional level: North Producers’ Co‐operatives of ACI‐ Secretary: Victor Manuel Gon‐ America, Central America and the Americas, is the sectoral organisa‐ zález, CNC de Actividades Diversas Caribbean, the Andean Countries tion of CICOPA for the American (Mexico) region of the International Co‐ and MERCOSUR. Treasurer: Carlos Acero Sánchez, operative Alliance and its abbrevia‐ The following delegates took part in Ascoop (Colombia) tion will be CICOPA‐Americas. It is the CICOPA Constitutive Assembly: an advisory, non‐legally binding Emilio Lugo, Conpacoop CNC de Actividades Diversas body of the ICA‐Americas Board, (Paraguay) (Mexico): Víctor Manuel González which has been constituted to in‐ Hazel Corcoran, Canadian Worker crease enterprise competitiveness Ascoop (Colombia): Carlos Acero Co‐op Federation (Canada) of all of its members. Sánchez. Jorge Alvariño, FCPU (Uruguay) Conpacoop (Paraguay): Emilio As it was established in its Rules "it Also, some ideas were put forward Lugo Valenzuela. is a non‐profit sectoral organization regarding the Work Plan for 2012. and its objectives are the institu‐ Canadian Worker Co‐op Federa‐ Some of the ideas presented were: tional, economic, social, cultural, tion: Alain Bridau & Hezel Cor‐ to work on international and na‐ educational and scientific represen‐ coran. tation of worker cooperatives." tional events to be held; Federación de Cooperativas de  CICOPA‐Americas will work inde‐ Producción (Uruguay): Jorge Al‐ a communications strategy; pendently of any government or variño. to increase in membership of CI‐ political party; respecting the values  COPA‐Americas; and principles of the ICA. Fecootra (Argentina): José H. Or‐ baiceta. to support the present situation The Rules of this sectoral organisa‐ of worker co‐ops in the US and tion are based on CICOPA’s Regula‐ OCB (Brazil), worker cooperatives: Geraldo Magela. Colombia and support the Indig‐ tion Framework as well as ICA‐ nants movement; Americas sectoral organisations UNISOL ( Brazil): Arildo Mota Lo‐ Rules and Regulations. pez. to influence governments to strengthen development policies Any of the US Federation of Worker Coop‐ for worker cooperatives. countries in the American continent eratives: Rebecca Kemble.

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COOPERATIVE LEADERS BOOST THE CREATION OF A NETWORK OF UTILITIES COOPERATIVES

The creation of a Network of President of FACE (Argentina). schemes, technology and develop‐ ment. Utilities Cooperatives within the They proposed to start exchanging International Cooperative Alli‐ experiences at international level, The proposal for a Network of Utili‐ ance was the main conclusion to seek the development of sus‐ ties Cooperatives was presented by reached by leading cooperative tainable and innovative projects to Charles Gould and Ben Reid, and it delegates from Europe and the strengthen the influence of coop‐ was warmly welcomed by co‐ Americas, who recently gathered eratives in public policies. It is ex‐ operators in the sector of public in Cancun, Mexico. pected that the Network comes up utilities and by integration bodies with a Work Plan focused on the from Argentina, Belgium, Bolivia, The meeting took place on 16 No‐ area of energy but also on other the United States, Mexico, Para‐ vember, within the ICA General sectors since the Network would guay and the United Kingdom. Assembly. It was called by ICA Gen‐ comprise cooperatives which ren‐ eral Director, Charles Gould and During the interchange of ideas it der a variety of services to the also participated Ben Reid, CEO of was highlighted that cooperatives community, not only electric ser‐ Midcounties Co‐operative (United pay special attention to the genera‐ vices. Kingdom); Martin Lowery, Execu‐ tion of sustainable energy. To this tive VP External Services of NRECA The Network of Utilities Coopera‐ end, some projects in terms of re‐ (National Rural Electric Coopera‐ tives will pursue a new framework newable energy which are taking tives Association‐USA); Klaus Nied‐ which enables cooperatives to ac‐ place in the different countries erlander, Director of Co‐operatives cess capital to develop different were presented. projects. Besides, the Network will Europe (Brussels); Manuel Mariño, Source: Marcelo O. Gallo, President be a shared learning space to im‐ Regional Director of ICA‐Americas of FACE (Costa Rica) and Marcelo Gallo, prove cooperative business

ICA-Americas Newsletter // Issue Nº 11 // December 2011 11

Exclusive interview COOPERATIVES HAVE A PRIVILEGED POSITION TO PROMOTE GENDER EQUITY IN ENTERPRISES

According to the report pre‐ ICA–Americas interviewed Maria sented by a delegation from the Beatriz Orlando, Task Manager and “ World Bank during the General Senior Economist, Poverty and In the nature Assembly of the International Co‐ Gender Unit, Latin America and the operative Alliance, over the last Caribbean, World Bank, on this re‐ of the port which focuses on women’s decades, Latin America and the economic opportunities in the for‐ Caribbean (LAC) has made great cooperative mal private sector in LAC with a in terms of promoting organization special focus on female entrepre‐ gender equality. However, there neurship and in particular to know are the have been mixed results in trans‐ the role that cooperatives can play lating this progress into more and in the field of gender equity. factors that better economic opportunities for women in the region. LAC Why did you choose ICA General promote countries have experienced an Assembly as the place to launch this report? gender equity important growth of microenter‐ The reason why we thought this prises led by women, but little is known about the factors that ex‐ was a good opportunity to dissemi‐ ” plain this trend. nate the study is because some of

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particularly in entrepreneurship. prises. In other cases the issue of There is a large number of women excessive taxation, strict and in‐ “ Cooperatives can entrepreneurs, so in terms of the flexible labour regulations and play a very numbers, we believe that there is child and family care responsibili‐ gender equity between entrepre‐ ties are perceived as an obstacle to important role in neurs business women and men. firm operation and growth. overcoming some However, gender‐based inequali‐ What can be done to overcome ties between male and female en‐ of these barriers these barriers? trepreneurs persist. On average, taking into companies led by women have less The conclusion we draw is that it account that by its productivity and fewer benefits would be interesting that the for‐ and this is extremely worrying. Af‐ mal private sector provides flexible own structure and ter applying different research working conditions such as part‐ organization tools, we came to the conclusion time and flex‐time employment, that once you compare companies and encouraging the targeted hir‐ cooperative of the same size these gender gaps ing of female employees in deci‐ enterprises can disappear, except at the level of sion‐making positions. give a good micro and small enterprises. The From this point of view there is gap in productivity and profits is much to be done. The provision of response in terms put down to the gap that exists in childcare services is another area of greater access micro and small enterprises. Our of proven effectiveness where im‐ conclusion is that we must pro‐ provements could be made. It is to technology and mote not so much the existence of vital to promote good gender prac‐ networks. business women ‐which is what we tices in enterprises, permissions have promoted until now, and it is for maternity and paternity leave ” fine‐ but now we have to focus and thus allowing men and women much more on how these compa‐ the barriers we have identified ‐ to take turns. Distributing house nies led by women can grow and that are holding back the growth of tasks will allow both men and operate at other scales. women entrepreneurs, especially women to take advantage of emerging market opportunities. in their businesses‐ include the is‐ Did you managed to identify the sue of access to networks, markets reasons for this inequality at the Which role are cooperatives called and technologies. It is important to level of the micro and small enter‐ to play regarding gender equity? point out that cooperatives have a prises? privileged position to collaborate Cooperatives can play a very im‐ breaking down these barriers; this Within the reasons that we found portant role in overcoming some means they can provide women for these inequalities there are of these barriers taking into ac‐ with access to networks, access to some that are directly linked to the count that by its own structure and markets and access to technology. business environment and are af‐ organization cooperative enter‐ fecting both men and women. prises can give a good response in Which are the most remarkable There are reasons that affect terms of greater access to technol‐ outcomes of the research? women disproportionately. Many ogy and networks. In the nature of The first outcome is that gender women mentioned the issue of the cooperative organization are equity has made great progress in corruption. In some countries of the factors that promote gender Latin America and the Caribbean, the region big companies must equity. especially in institutional matters, confront situations linked to cor‐ in education and access to health ruption and this discourages To see the full report Women’s services. However, these break‐ women that can’t deal with this Economic Opportunities in the For‐ throughs have not resulted in eq‐ situation. That’s why they prefer to mal Private Sector in Latin America uity in economic opportunities, remain as micro and small enter‐ and the Caribbean click here.

ICA-Americas Newsletter // Issue Nº 11 // December 2011 13

Art at the ICA ICA LAUNCHED COOP ‘ART CONTEST FOR YOUNG CO‐OPERATORS ALL OVER THE WORLD Coop ‘art is one of the ICA strate‐ The winning design was produced the form would look like until they gies to invite young people to take in a co‐operative way, with each unfolded the piece of paper at the part in the cooperative movement. artist designing a different section end of the process to reveal the The competition was conceived by using different techniques on a poster. José Antonio Chavez, the youth piece of paper folded into three, The IYC posters have been on sale representative on the ICA Board. without being able to see what on the ICA’s new website for the each other had created. The artists, This global artistic competition, de‐ International Year ‐ which worked following the idea signed to encourage youth to crea‐ www.2012.coop since 1 December “Cooperative enterprises build a tively express their views on co‐ 2011. better world”, had no idea what operative principles, was launched by the International Co‐operative Alliance at their General Assembly. Anyone can enter provided they are aged between 16 and 35. The competition has three categories for submissions ‐ photography, video and music. Entrants in the global competition can submit their work through the ICA’s new web‐ site www.2012.coop which has been also launched at the General Assembly in Cancun. First prize for the winning entry in each of the three categories is USD 3000 and a trip to the World Co‐ operative Forum in Manchester, UK in November 2012, where there will be an award ceremony. Second prize is in each is USD 2000 and third prize is a tablet computer. IYC now has its official poster Collage‐No, a co‐operative design agency based in Valencia, are the winning designers of the ICA’s IYC Poster Competition and walk away with USD 3500 prize money. Besides, a global artistic competi‐ tion designed to encourage youth to creatively express their views on co‐operative principles was launched by the International Co‐ operative Alliance at their General Assembly.

14 ICA-Americas Newsletter // Issue Nº 11 // December 2011

ICA SUPPORTS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF INSTITUTE ON CO‐OPS AND PEACE

The International Co‐operative Alliance will support efforts by Canadian co‐op historian Ian MacPherson to establish an insti‐ tute to study the role co‐ operatives play in fostering peace and social cohesion. Professor MacPherson and Yehudah Paz, founder of Israel’s Negev Insti‐ tute for Strategies of Peace and De‐ velopment, have been working to‐ gether on the creation of the Co‐ operative Institute for the Promo‐ tion of Peace and Social Cohesion. The Institute, which would report to the ICA board and the General As‐ sembly, would serve both as a framework for the development of programs related to co‐operatives and peace and as a focal point for thinking, research and analysis. Israel and the Japanese Consumers’ favour of the resolution at the Gen‐ Co‐operative Union. eral Assembly, led a workshop on co The resolution to support the estab‐ ‐ops and peace for participants in lishment of the institute was spon‐ Earlier in the week, Professor the Cancun meeting. sored by the Canadian Co‐operative MacPherson and CCA Vice‐ Association (CCA), Co‐operatives President Jill Kelly, who spoke in Source: CCA ROCHDALE AWARDS HANDED OUT IN CANCUN AT GENERAL ASSEMBLY Professor Florencio Eguía Vil‐ award to Jong‐Koo Lee. laseñor, the advisor to the Mexican co‐operative movement, received In 2000, the ICA Board established the Rochdale Award at the ICA's the Rochdale Pioneers Award. The General Assembly in Cancun, Mex‐ purpose of this Award is to recog‐ ico. nise a person or, under special cir‐ cumstances a cooperative organisa‐ This professor, who is considered to tion, having contributed to innova‐ be the precursor of the tive and financially sustainable co‐ movement in Mexico, received the operative activities that have sig‐ award from ICA Director‐General nificantly benefited their member‐ Charles Gould, who also gave the ship.

ICA-Americas Newsletter // Issue Nº 11 // December 2011 15

SHORT ica NEWS

ICA president, Pauline Green to Chair UN Advisory Group for IYC. Dame Pauline Green, ICA president, is to 1 chair the United Nations Advisory Group for the International Year of Co‐operatives (IYC). The group will pro‐ vide guidance, support and assistance to the Coordinating Committee in implementing the mandate and ob‐ jectives of the IYC.

Two new ICA board members elected from Poland and Iran. General Assembly delegates voted in two new 2 board members of the ICA on the closing day of proceedings. Elected to the board were Albolhassan Khalili from Iran Oilseeds and Vegetable Oil Processing Co‐operative (Farda) and Janusz Paszkowski, from the Na‐ tional Auditing Union of Workers Cooperatives (NAUWC) of Poland.

Special ICA Assembly in Manchester. An Extraordinary General Assembly is set to be convened by the Inter‐ 3 national Co‐operative Alliance next year. Ahead of the expiration of a four year strategy that was formed at the General Assembly in Rome, in 2008, the ICA is to build upon that strategy at the Manchester event in the UK.

ICA ExpoCoop 2012. The International Co‐operative Alliance is organizing the third global fair for the co‐ 4 operative movement: ICA ExpoCoop 2012 – Manchester, UK. ICA ExpoCoop is a landmark in ICA’s efforts to promote co‐operative business as well as to create a greater visibility for co‐operatives with main focus on food, beverage and products. The fair provides participants with the strengthening of the co‐operative image and brings business opportunities and commercial benefits. Aimed at gathering the world's most renowned co ‐operatives in a single space, the movement's main trade fair encourages the sector’s exports and imports by attracting a highly qualified public interested in their products.

Mutuals can join International Co‐operative Alliance. Mutuals are to be allowed membership of the Interna‐ 5 tional Co‐operative Alliance. Following on from a two‐year review from a Mutuals Working Group, it was rec‐ ommended to delegates at the ICA General Assembly in Cancun that mutuals should be allowed full member‐ ship. This will only apply to those mutual organisations that operate in conformance with the Co‐operative Values and Principles and each application will be examined on a case‐by‐case basis. The working group said that the encouragement of appropriate mutual organisations within ICA membership would strengthen the representation and solidarity of organisations that adhere to co‐operative principles.

The International Co‐operative Alliance continues growing globally. Nowadays ICA has 269 member organiza‐ 6 tions (231 full members and 38 associate members) from 97 countries representing approximately 1 billion individuals worldwide.

All of your suggestions and proposals regarding the newsletter’s contents are very important for us, since our primary goal is to provide a publication enriched by your opinions. Please send your comments to: [email protected]

ICA-Americas Newsletter // Issue Nº 9 // May 2011 An e-publication of International Co-operative Alliance for the Americas (ICA Americas) ICAICA-Americas is an independent, Newsletter non-governmental // Issue Nº 11 association // December whic h2011 unites, represents and serves co-operatives worldwide Editor:An e-publication Manuel Mariño of International // Realizati Cooperativeon team: Natalia Alliance Acerenza, for the VirginiaAmericas Pé (ICArez AuzaAmericas) and Jorge Cabrera (jcse) ICA© ICA is anAmericas independent, // Contents non-governmental can be reproduced association without whic authorizationh unites, represents on condition and servesthat the co-operatives source is indicated worldwide Editor: Manuel Mariño // Realization team: Natalia Acerenza, Virginia Pérez Auza and Jorge Cabrera (jcse) © ICA Americas // Contents can be reproduced without authorization on condition that the source is indicated

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