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Nandini Azad: Champion of Cooperation and Empowerment
In a momentous event back in September 2018, in the picturesque city of Koblenz, Germany, Dr. Nandini Azad, a pioneering Indian figure, etched her name into the annals of cooperative history. Her illustrious career, spanning over three decades in gender equality, cooperatives, poverty alleviation, and financial inclusion, culminated in a groundbreaking achievement. Dr. Azad shattered barriers by becoming the first woman in half a century to join the International Raiffeisen Union (IRU) Board.
The IRU, a revered global network of cooperative organizations inspired by Friedrich Wilhelm Raiffeisen, stands as a beacon for cooperative ideals across 33 countries worldwide. Dr. Azad's journey to the summit of cooperative leadership was marked by unwavering commitment to gender diversity, and this milestone attests to her remarkable dedication.
Beyond her international role, Dr. Azad presided over the Indian Cooperative Network for Women (ICNW), a lifeline for 600,000 impoverished women in southern India. Her work attracted global attention, even drawing Madam Hillary Clinton to witness ICNW's transformative impact.
Dr. Azad's influence extended to several key roles in India's cooperative landscape, including the National Credit Fund for Women and the E-Women’s Market Portal. Her groundbreaking study, "Gender is more than a Statistic," illuminated gender inclusivity's vital role in cooperative organizations across the Asia-Pacific region.
Fast forward to September 2023, at the Global Symposium on Farmers’ Rights in New Delhi. Dr. Azad, a prominent figure on the global stage, delivered a pivotal message on the need to bridge the gap between cooperatives and farmers. Her vision emphasized the role of science in empowering marginalized women, exemplified by cooperatives like ICNW. Her words ignited a spark, inspiring collective action for a more inclusive future.
Dr. Azad's dedication didn't go unnoticed. Dr. Kent Nnadozi, Secretary of the FAO International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, lauded her contributions.
ICNW, nestled in rural India, emerged as a beacon of hope and empowerment under Dr. Azad's leadership. The organization empowered women farmers through financial inclusion and sustainable agricultural practices. Two exceptional women, Kaliammal Kumar and Pushpavalli, stand as testament to ICNW's impact, transforming their lives and communities through innovative farming.
Kaliammal's journey, rooted in tradition and innovation, showcased the power of knowledge passed down through generations. She transformed her family's agricultural efforts into a thriving enterprise, promoting traditional seeding methods.
Pushpavalli, another ICNW beneficiary, embraced paddy
cultivation and high-value crops, drawing attention from agricultural research
centers. Her story, like Kaliammal's, epitomized the transformative potential
of women farmers.
The Global Symposium on Farmers’ Rights, attended by delegates from 59
countries, aimed to implement farmers’ rights worldwide, with a special focus
on women farmers. Dr. Azad's vision resonated, uniting policymakers,
scientists, and farmers in a shared mission for a more equitable and
sustainable future.
Dr. Nandini Azad's journey exemplifies unwavering dedication to cooperation,
gender equality, and poverty alleviation. As she vies for re-election to the
IRU Board in October 2023, her leadership promises to shape the future of
cooperatives, championing inclusivity and global impact. Her story serves as an
inspiration for all, breaking stereotypes and scaling new heights in
cooperative leadership.