This case study documents SEWA Cooperative Federation\u2019s efforts to bring urban young women into the cooperative movement through the Srujan Programme, an incubation initiative launched in Ahmedabad in 2022. Recognizing that many young women aspired to careers beyond traditional informal-sector occupations, the programme combined cooperative education with training in communication, research, digital tools, photography, and grassroots journalism. Through area meetings, mentorship, exposure visits, and livelihood linkages, Srujan sought to create pathways for young women to build skills, confidence, and sustainable livelihoods while remaining rooted in cooperative values. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Between 2022 and 2024, the programme mobilized 774 young women and connected participants to opportunities in research, documentation, data collection, digital communications, and community engagement. The case study highlights both the promise and challenges of youth inclusion, emphasizing that sustained mobilization, trust-building, leadership development, and continuous handholding are essential for nurturing the next generation of cooperative leaders. It offers practical lessons for organizations seeking to make cooperatives relevant to young people while strengthening democratic, member-owned institutions for the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n