International Cooperative Alliance Asia and Pacific

The International Cooperative Alliance - Asia and Pacific (ICA-AP), in partnership with its Committee on Women, will host the Asia-Pacific Regional Conference for the International Year of Women Farmers 2026 in Hanoi, Vietnam, from 7 to 9 May. Under the theme “Empowered to Grow: Women Leading Change in Agriculture through Cooperation,” the conference will spotlight women cooperative farmers, foster regional dialogue, and advance gender-responsive policies for inclusive and sustainable agri-food systems.

Submissions are now open for the 20th ICA Asia-Pacific Cooperative Research Conference on “Transforming Cooperatives for the Future,” to be held on 6–7 October 2026 at Monash University, Australia. Researchers, practitioners, and policymakers are invited to share insights on how cooperatives are driving resilient, future-oriented models that balance economic viability with social purpose. A dedicated Young and Emerging Scholars track will also support early-stage research and collaboration across the region.

This regional study by the ICA-AP Committee on Women examines how gender equality is reflected in laws, policies, and institutional practices across cooperative ecosystems in ten Asia Pacific countries. The report offers comparative insights, highlights best practices, identifies barriers to women’s leadership, and outlines pathways to strengthen gender-responsive policy frameworks for cooperatives in the region.

About ICA-AP

Established in 1960 in New Delhi, India, International Cooperative Alliance Asia and Pacific (ICA-AP) is one of the four regional offices of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA). With a rich history spanning over six decades, we unite, promote, and develop cooperatives in the Asia and Pacific region. We proudly represent and serve a network of 123 members from 29 countries (August 2025) across varied economic sectors. Through the promotion of cooperative identity, advocacy, collaboration, and capacity building, we strive to empower cooperatives to thrive and fulfil their potential as drivers of sustainable development, social inclusion, and economic prosperity.