New website supports Women’s Challenge

Co-operatives UK has launched a new website to offer women from around the Movement a place to collaborate, network and develop responses to the 2020 Co-operative Women’s Challenge.

The site will be developed further in future, based on the inputs and ideas from women across the sector.

It includes:

• An ‘Inspirational Women’ section showcasing successful women throughout the Movement’s history
• Advice for women wishing to develop as employees or in elected roles within the Movement
• Events listings and news stories
• Networking group pages
• Links to specialist co-operative businesses.

Co-operative researcher Dr Rachael Vorberg-Rugh commented: “Women have been at the heart of the Co-operative Movement for generations.

“I hope that in 2020 we see an even greater commitment to ensure that co-operative committees and management teams reflect the diversity of UK society, and that the Movement takes a leading role in campaigning for women’s economic and social inclusion in all countries and communities.”

Ed Mayo, Secretary General of Co-operatives UK, added: “Over half the UK’s population is female and six out of every ten university graduates are women. Women are 46 per cent of the economically active workforce – yet they are still under-represented in British businesses, especially senior management.

“Our new website has been developed by our members to help support women and give a focal point for sharing information and networking and help put women at the heart of the Movement.”

The Co-operative Women’s Challenge 2020 was launched a year ago to address the under-representation of women in the Movement.

• To access the website, visit www.uk.coop/womenschallenge/womens-home