Dr. Nandini Azad, a prominent figure in global cooperative movements, was recently honored with the prestigious “Universal Icon Achiever Award 2024.” The award, presented by the Indian Solidarity Council in New Delhi, recognizes Dr. Azad’s significant contributions to social welfare, particularly in uplifting economically disadvantaged women.
The ceremony took place on August 30, 2024, at the Dai Nam Sai Gon Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Dr. Azad serves as a Global Board Member of the International Raiffeisen Union (IRU), the oldest cooperative union in the world, where her influence and work have been transformative.
In addition to her role in the IRU, she is also the leader of the Working Women’s Forum (India) (WWF-I) and the Indian Cooperative Network for Women (ICNW), headquartered in Chennai. Through these organizations, Dr. Azad oversees a vast network of over 615,000 women members spanning across four states in South India.
The WWF-I and ICNW are widely recognized as global models for gender equity and empowerment. Their work focuses on addressing the intertwined challenges of caste, class, and gender discrimination, creating pathways for marginalized women to gain economic independence. This “Gender & Equity Model” has earned accolades for its innovative approach in combating social inequities, and Dr. Azad’s leadership has been pivotal in shaping these initiatives.
In her work with the WWF-I and ICNW, Dr. Azad has focused on financial inclusion, leadership training, and capacity-building programs for women. These efforts have helped women gain access to credit, build micro-enterprises, and improve their livelihoods, contributing to the economic development of entire communities.
The award highlights the broader global recognition of Dr. Azad’s work. Under her guidance, both the WWF-I and ICNW have become benchmarks for success in the cooperative movement, showcasing how inclusive models of development can yield significant benefits for marginalized populations.
In addition to celebrating Dr. Azad’s individual achievement, the IRU recently held a global board meeting on September 4, 2024, to chart the organization’s activities for the “Year of Cooperatives” in 2024-2025. Dr. Azad’s continued involvement with the IRU will play a crucial role in advancing cooperative principles and fostering global collaboration.
Dr. Azad’s honor comes at a time when the global cooperative movement is gaining renewed focus, and her work stands as a testament to the power of grassroots movements in driving sustainable development and social change. The “Universal Icon Achiever Award” adds to her already distinguished career and serves as an inspiration for women worldwide, particularly those working within cooperative frameworks to achieve equity and justice.