November 14-15, 2024, Nairobi, Kenya – The Gender Equality Forum, hosted by ICA-Africa, brought together leaders and experts from across the continent to address the theme: “Accelerating Gender Inclusivity in Cooperatives for a Sustainable Africa.”  The primary aim of this regional thematic conference is to unite cooperative practitioners, governments, partners, and stakeholders in a forum to discuss how cooperatives can effectively advance gender inclusivity while fostering sustainability across Africa.

As an active member of ICA’s Gender Committee, Madam Aicha Errifaai, General Director of the Office of Cooperation Development (ODCo) in Morocco, attended the Forum in representation of Morocco, and highlighted the importance of gender inclusivity in strengthening cooperative movements and fostering sustainable development. “This year’s theme resonates deeply with our mission and values,” she stated, emphasizing the transformative potential of inclusivity to drive equitable growth within communities.

During the forum, Madam Errifaai delivered a keynote on “Understanding Gender Inclusivity in Cooperative Structures, Advocacy, and Policy Issues.” Her presentation explored how cooperatives can integrate inclusive practices into governance and operations, thereby addressing systemic barriers to equality.

Workshops accompanying the forum allowed participants to engage in collaborative discussions, identify challenges, and propose actionable strategies. These sessions resulted in the development of a robust action plan designed to strengthen gender inclusivity within cooperative structures and policies across Africa.

The forum marked a significant step toward achieving gender balance in the cooperative sector. Discussions emphasized the need for structural reforms, targeted policies, and advocacy efforts to ensure that cooperatives become inclusive spaces where everyone—regardless of gender—can lead and benefit equally.

Reflecting on the event, Madam Errifaai stated, “By addressing structural, policy, and advocacy needs, we can take significant strides toward economic empowerment and sustainable development. The road ahead involves building a cooperative ecosystem that embodies inclusivity and equity at every level.“

The ICA-Africa’s Gender Equality Forum 2024 stands as a testament to the collective commitment of African cooperative leaders to foster gender-inclusive practices. With Morocco’s active involvement, spearheaded by ODCO, the cooperative movement is poised to champion a future of shared prosperity and sustainability.