Strengthening gender equality in co‑operatives: Australia contributes to new Asia–Pacific study

11 March 2026

The Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals (BCCM) welcomes the release of the International Cooperative Alliance Asia and Pacific (ICA‑AP) Committee on Women’s regional study, Review of Gender‑Based Policies in Cooperatives in Asia and the Pacific. The report examines how co-operatives across ten countries are embedding gender equality through legislation, governance and institutional practice.

Australia’s contribution highlights an accountability‑led approach to gender equality, supported by national reporting requirements under the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012 and sector programs that foster women’s participation and leadership in co-operative and mutual enterprises.

The study recognises several Australian initiatives, including Eliza’s Project, which brings together current and former women chief executives from co-operatives and mutuals to champion women’s leadership at the highest levels of the movement. Named for Eliza Brierley, the only woman included among the first shareholders of the Rochdale Society, the project honours a pioneer whose example continues to inspire parity and inclusion within contemporary governance.

The report also acknowledges Women in Mutuals, a peer network supporting visibility, mentorship and leadership development for women working across the Australian co-operative and mutual sector.

The Australian research was led by Dr Sidsel Grimstad, whose analysis places Australia’s policy environment within a broader regional context. Michele Groat, Chair of Yenda Producers’ Co-operative Society, contributed practical insights into supporting pathways for women’s leadership at the enterprise level.

The BCCM is pleased to collaborate with ICA‑AP and our Australian partners on this important regional project. Strengthening diversity and leadership pathways for women remains central to good governance and long‑term sector resilience in Australia and across the Asia–Pacific co-operative movement.

The full report is available from the International Cooperative Alliance Asia and Pacific.