Child care co-operatives stress parent participation and establish learning environments where respect between parents is a basic value and where attitudes leading to violence are examined and avoided. Association with co-operatives has provided many women with opportunities that would not otherwise exist, a measure of empowerment, and a degree of economic security. Co-operatives constitute a form of enterprise which is particularly well adopted to women, who often lack access to productive resources. Unemployed women found economic security by establishing or joining producer or labour co-operatives. The procedures whereby members exercise control over their co-operative enterprises are democratic.
Much attention is given to improving women's full access to positions of power.
Moreover, even in hostile environments progress in co-operatives has been greater than in other enterprises. Experience gained within the co-operative movement has enhanced many women's access to power structures outside it by providing marketable skills and increased confidence. Many women have entered political life through the co-operative movement, which supports, and provide an economically secure base for, women's participation in political life. Efforts have intensified to apply these principles as seen by strategies to increase women's membership and ensure that business activities are promote women's equality. Contributions are made to women's legal literacy.