A short interview with Vanda Giuliano, Chair of ICA Gender Equality Committee.

Vanda Giuliano, Chair of the ICA Gender Equality Committee, spoke about why gender equality is good for business, at the session: Gender Perspectives in Successful Co-operatives.

The workshop focussed on equal opportunities that lead to economic success. Several studies have shown that improving the gender balance makes businesses more successful and better able to compete in a changing environment.

It's worth noting that of the 98 representatives of co-operative bodies at this year's Regional Assembly, only 14 were women. And of the overall attendance (212 delegates) 23% were women; so there is room for improvement.

After the session, Suzanne Henderson spoke to Vanda Giuliano about her views.

"We conducted a survey of over 800 women working in co-operatives over four regions in Italy. These were some of the findings of the gender issues survey," explained Vanda.

When they do put themselves forward, a high percentage of women candidates are elected to Boards, however time constraints limit womens' involvement at this level.

Evening meetings, the formality of executive proceedings and hierarchical structures were sometimes alienating to women. From the survey results it appears women preferred a different management style. Keeping women on boards was important, but the underlying issue was the balance between free time and work.

Women have on average, higher levels of training in co-operatives - many have university or at least secondary school qualifications. Women also use their free time to study towards higher qualifications.

Wages are, on average, lower for women in similar positions to male counterparts. "Although this is not deliberate, it's the conservative way of co-operatives," explained Vanda.

In the smaller co-operatives, women are in management positions, for example childcare and care of the aged. Consumer co-operatives are a difficult environment for women because they are focussed on being competitive. "Although consumer co-operatives are aware of the important role women play and they have an equal opportunity policy," said Vanda.

Vanda believes better communication between the genders is the way forward. Women need to make a conscious effort to communicate not just with other women but with male colleagues as well. The international network of women in co-operatives is sharing good practice experience, and highlighting co-operative achievements in the area of gender equity.

Contact: Vanda Giuliano