A study on women's cooperatives: The case of Eastern Black sea

This study aims to reveal the current status of women's cooperatives in the Eastern Black Sea Region. Cooperatives have historically developed as a form of organization aimed at empowering individuals in economic and social spheres. The fundamental goals of women's cooperatives include women's economic independence, their participation in production processes, and increased social visibility. This study comprehensively examines the historical development of cooperatives, their principles and objectives, their legal and institutional framework in Turkey, their functions, and their types. The focus is on the experiences of women's cooperative members in light of gender theories. The study's study group consisted of 18 members of women's cooperatives operating in the Eastern Black Sea Region. Using qualitative research methods, the study evaluated the data obtained within the context of themes, categories, and codes. One of the most significant findings of the study is that a large portion of the women's cooperatives interviewed were established at the invitation or direction of public institutions. This situation has negatively impacted the cooperatives and their members, or exacerbated existing problems. Women's cooperative members view the cooperative as a state institution, not a business, and therefore require state support for its sustainability. Another key finding is that women's cooperatives have the potential to reproduce gender inequality and become platforms that replace sexist regimes.