COOPERATIVE MODELS FOR WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES IN JAPAN AND MALI

This study examines the role of agricultural cooperatives in empowering women in Japan and Mali.Using a comparative analysis of JA Kyoto Chuo in Japan and Benkady Cooperative in Mali, the article examines how these organizations promote women's leadership, economic autonomy, and access to resources.In Japan, where gender equality is a national focus, cooperatives provide opportunities for women's leadership and economic advancement, though traditional gender norms persist in rural areas.In contrast, Malian women face deeply entrenched patriarchal barriers, limiting their participation in cooperative governance and decision-making.Despite these challenges, cooperatives in both countries have implemented initiatives to increase women's access to credit, training, and market opportunities.Yet, cultural, economic, and policy contexts heavily influence their effectiveness.Findings suggest that while cooperatives are pivotal for women's empowerment, their impact is constrained by local cultural expectations and resource availability.Japan must continue addressing lingering cultural resistance to fully empower women, while Mali needs strengthened institutional and financial support to overcome systemic barriers.This analysis contributes to understanding how cooperatives function as vehicles for social and economic change across different geographical, socioeconomic, and political contexts.