In an effort to amplify the voices of women leaders in the cooperative sector, the International Cooperative Alliance Asia-Pacific (ICA-AP), ICA-AP Committee on Women, and the Vietnam Cooperative Alliance (VCA) are organizing the Asia-Pacific Women CEOs in Cooperatives Summit.
Themed “Empowering Leadership: Navigating the Future of Cooperatives with Women at the Helm,” this event will take place in Hanoi, Vietnam, from July 29-31, 2024. It aims to provide an unparalleled platform for women CEOs and executive leaders in cooperatives to network, share insights, and enhance their leadership capabilities in a rapidly evolving post-COVID-19 world.
The summit is a significant initiative designed to address the unique challenges faced by women in leadership roles within the cooperative sector. Despite their crucial roles, women often confront amplified challenges due to societal and cultural expectations that demand them to balance warmth and competence simultaneously.
This summit will provide a dedicated space for women leaders to engage in critical dialogues, addressing these issues head-on and empowering them with the necessary tools and knowledge to excel.
The event will feature thematic sessions focusing on various key aspects of leadership and development. One session will emphasize the importance of mentoring and developing future leaders within the cooperative sector, particularly supporting other women. It will cover succession planning, talent management, and the influence of women CEOs in fostering gender-friendly workplace practices.
Recognizing the multiple roles women juggle, another session will address self-care, personal growth, stress management, and strategies for achieving a healthy work-life balance. Participants will explore strategies to navigate global challenges such as economic volatility, climate change, and societal shifts. This session will provide practical tools for business development, partnerships, financial wellness, technology integration, and sustainable growth.
There will be a focus on promoting inclusivity, social justice, and community welfare through cooperative leadership. This session will address gender equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace and the role of cooperatives as agents of social change. Additionally, a training session on Purpose Driven Leadership by Women in Cooperatives will be held, focusing on enhancing communication skills, public speaking, negotiation tactics, and conflict resolution tailored specifically for women in leadership roles.
The summit targets 40 women CEOs and executive leaders from the cooperative sector across the Asia-Pacific region. This diverse representation aims to foster connections and networks across countries and sectors, enhancing the participants’ knowledge and capacity for a brighter, more sustainable future.
Building on the foundation laid by the 2018 regional workshop, this summit represents a continued commitment to understanding and overcoming the barriers that women leaders face. It is a critical step towards empowering women in the cooperative sector, ensuring their voices are heard, and their leadership is recognized and supported.