New Cooperative Policy 2023: Recommendations presents SEWA Cooperative Federation’s vision for a more inclusive and equitable cooperative ecosystem in India. Submitted to the National Cooperative Policy Committee, the note advocates for the recognition of women-led and worker-owned cooperatives as key drivers of economic and social development.
Drawing on decades of experience working with informal women workers, the recommendations call for stronger representation of women in cooperative governance, dedicated support systems for women’s cooperatives, improved access to finance, social security, digital inclusion, market linkages, and cooperative education.
The note also highlights the importance of federations, incubation support, grassroots leadership development, and gender-responsive data systems in strengthening the cooperative sector. At its core, the document argues that the future of India’s cooperative movement must be shaped by the participation, leadership, and aspirations of women and informal workers.
