Empowering Women in Co-operative Leadership at the Asia-Pacific Summit

The International Cooperative Alliance – Asia and Pacific (ICA-AP) and the Vietnam Cooperative Alliance (VCA), in collaboration with the ICA-AP Women’s Committee, hosted the transformative Asia-Pacific Women CEOs in Cooperatives Summit from July 29-31, 2024, in Hanoi, Vietnam. This summit was a beacon for female leadership, bringing together remarkable women leaders from across the region, including distinguished representatives from CLIMBS:

• Ms. Marlene D. Sindayen, Vice Chairperson of the Board
• Ms. Donna C. Dizon, Vice President for Admin and Corporate Planning, and the Principal and CEO of the Co-operative College of the Philippines (CCP)
• Ms. Rowena R. Abella, Vice President for Marketing, and the CEO of the National Federation of Cooperative Primaries in the Philippines (NaFeCOOP)

Pioneering Resiliency in a Rapidly Changing World

Ms. Dizon had the honor of participating in a panel discussion on “Building Resiliency and Adaptability in a Rapidly Changing World.” Her insights on Weather Protect Insurance (WPI) were particularly impactful, highlighting its crucial role in mitigating the effects of climate change. She emphasized how this innovative insurance product is vital for fostering sustainable and climate-resilient co-operatives and communities, showcasing the essential contributions of women in driving these initiatives.

Women Leading Economic Development

The summit was a platform for highlighting the essential roles women play in driving economic development. Discussions focused on enhancing female leadership within co-operatives, reinforcing the idea that empowering women is key to driving progress and innovation in our societies. The event was rich with dialogues aimed at fostering an inclusive environment where women can thrive as leaders and decision-makers.

CLIMBS: Leading by Example

The active participation and distinguished representation of CLIMBS by our leaders are truly commendable. Their unwavering dedication and visionary leadership continue to inspire and for a more resilient and inclusive co-operative movement in the Philippines. The contributions of Ms. Sindayen, Ms. Dizon, and Ms. Rowna Abella exemplifies the profound impact of women in co-operative leadership and their role in shaping a sustainable future.