Women’s Cooperatives in Turkey: Challenges, Success Stories, and Policy Recommendations

Abstract

The review on women cooperatives in Turkey highlights the instrumental role these organizations play in empowering women economically and socially. Women's cooperatives have emerged as critical vehicles for fostering economic independence, political participation, and community development, particularly in rural areas. These cooperatives provide women with the opportunity to pool resources, gain entrepreneurial skills, and access markets.  Table 1 in the review showcases various sectors in which women’s cooperatives operate, including agriculture, handicrafts, tourism, education, health, and eco-friendly businesses. For instance, cooperatives focusing on organic farming and traditional crafts have become influential in local markets, offering both economic and cultural benefits. Similarly, women-led initiatives in tourism and hospitality, such as eco-tourism projects and guesthouses, have contributed to sustainable development by promoting local culture and offering employment opportunities.  Table 2 elaborates on the success stories of women’s cooperatives in Turkey, such as Kadın Emeğini Değerlendirme Vakfı (KEDV) and Bodrum Kadın Girişim Kooperatifi. These examples illustrate how cooperatives have enabled women to achieve financial independence, expand market reach, and enhance their local communities. For example, KEDV-supported cooperatives in Kocaeli have created stable employment through the production and sale of organic food and handicrafts, while Bodrum’s cooperative has gained success by focusing on high-quality, locally sourced food products.  However, challenges such as cultural barriers, financial constraints, and legal hurdles, as outlined in Table 3, continue to limit the potential of these cooperatives. The Turkish government has introduced several initiatives, including amendments to cooperatives law and financial support programs, to address these issues and foster the growth of women’s cooperatives across the country.  The significance of the paper lies in its comprehensive exploration of women's cooperatives and self-help groups (SHGs) in Turkey, highlighting their role as powerful tools for economic and social empowerment.