Argues that women are the main cooperative entrepreneurs in Western Europe. Affirms that the growing number of cooperative enterprises run by women has greatly helped to absorb the increasing number of women entering the labour force in these countries. Suggests that the new cooperatives created by women are a 'veritable laboratory of new methods of work sharing and methods for positive flexibility. Suggests that the cooperative form of enterprise provides women with the opportunity of participating on equal terms with men.

This publication is for all who are working for gender equality and gender equity in and through co-operatives, and women's empowerment and development as co-op members and leaders.