NEWSROOM

Increasing numbers of women's cooperatives from west to east of Turkey are waiting for support to be included in the e-commerce ecosystem. Programs run by various organizations offer a roadmap to women's cooperatives who want to be included in the ecosystem. Awareness of being cooperative is also increasing among women entrepreneurs who gain financial literacy through trainings.

*** This release is originally published in Turkish.
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ISTANBUL (TR) - Cooperatives, which bring women entrepreneurs together under one roof, are becoming more and more widespread with the driving force of e-commerce. According to the data of the Ministry of Family and Social Services, which works to empower women, 530 new women's cooperatives were established in 2021 alone. Stating that the awareness of cooperatives has increased among women entrepreneurs during the pandemic, Habitat Association Chairman Sezai Ready said, “The pandemic has accelerated the digitalization process of women's cooperatives. When women entrepreneurs reach a sufficient level of financial literacy, they can quickly mature their cooperative identities in the e-commerce ecosystem. Particularly, trainings on budget planning and management are of great importance for women's cooperatives to strengthen their e-commerce activities and gain a sustainable structure.

Financial training brings women's cooperatives to e-commerce

Pointing out that various financial trainings play a guiding role in bringing women's cooperatives into e-commerce, Sezai Ready said, "With the 'I Can Manage My Money' project, which we developed as Habitat Association in partnership with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and Visa Turkey, women's cooperatives can be included in the e-commerce ecosystem. We carry out various activities for The "From Labor to Basket Women's Cooperatives Support Program", which we have developed within the scope of the project we have been carrying out since 2009 with the support of 30 banks and e-money institutions, constitutes an important stage of our activities. Within the scope of the program, we aim to reach women's cooperatives that do not operate in e-commerce but want to be included in the ecosystem. We are responding to the support call of women's cooperatives that are not yet included in the e-commerce ecosystem.”

Deadline for applications is 15 April

Stating that they brought 14 women's cooperatives into the e-commerce ecosystem with the 'Women's Cooperatives Support Program from Labor to Basket', which they piloted last year, Habitat Association Chairman Sezai ready said, “Within the scope of the program, the products of the cooperatives are marketed on e-commerce platforms, web sites specific to cooperatives are designed and digital visibility is increased. we have increased. On the other hand, we contributed to the strengthening of the socio-economic status of all members of cooperatives. We aim to meet the support calls of all women's cooperatives whose members are mostly women and aim to evaluate women's labor. The application process will continue until April 15.

We create awareness of financial literacy

Stating that they have come a long way in helping women entrepreneurs reach a sufficient level of financial literacy within the scope of the I Can Manage My Money project, Sezai Ready said, "With the trainings we provide on the correct use of various financial products and services, budget planning, savings, investment and debt management, and financial rights and obligations, We are directing trade activities. Thanks to our Women's Cooperatives Support Program from Labor to Basket, women entrepreneurs who have reached the level of financial literacy gain the necessary infrastructure to start their e-commerce activities.”