Shirdi, Maharashtra: A state-level convention organised by Sahakar Bharati in Shirdi focused on strengthening the participation and leadership of women in Maharashtra’s cooperative movement.
The convention was inaugurated in the presence of Maharashtra Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, who highlighted the increasing involvement of women in cooperative activities and said their growing participation could bring a new direction to the sector.
The programme was attended by Minister of State Meghana Bordikar, Sahakar Bharati National President Dr. Uday Joshi, Maharashtra State President Dattaram Chalke, Maharashtra State Cooperative Bank Administrative Board Chairman Vidyadhar Anaskar and Maharashtra Urban Cooperative Banks Federation Vice-President Vaishali Awade, along with other cooperative leaders and women representatives from across the state.
Addressing the gathering, Vikhe Patil emphasised the contribution of women through self-help groups, cooperative societies and various enterprises, noting that these activities have helped strengthen women’s economic independence.
He stressed the need to provide women with greater opportunities to participate in decision-making and leadership positions within cooperative institutions. According to him, increasing women’s representation can further strengthen the cooperative movement at the grassroots level.
The minister also called for expanded efforts to provide women with training, professional guidance and better market access for their products. He highlighted the potential of stronger women-led cooperatives to generate employment, improve household incomes and contribute to the development of the rural economy.
The convention provided a platform for women cooperative representatives from across Maharashtra to discuss their role in the sector and the opportunities available for expanding women-led cooperative initiatives.