Nearly 140 participants at the Women’s Cooperative Forum
Agiska Coopérative, Covris Coopérative and Uniag Coopérative are proud to announce the success of the 16th edition of the Women’s Cooperative Forum, held on Friday, April 10 at the Hôtel Rive Gauche in Beloeil. Bringing together nearly 140 participants from the agricultural sector, the event once again provided a valuable space for connection, reflection and inspiration.
Co-organized by the three cooperatives, the Forum aims to highlight the essential role of women in the development of the agricultural sector and to foster their engagement within the cooperative movement. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to supporting and showcasing women in agriculture.
“We didn’t take men’s place : we took our place,” said Ms. Jeannine Chartrand, Director at Covris Coopérative and Sollio Groupe Coopératif, during her opening remarks. These words, echoing the International Year of Women Farmers, were met with strong applause.
This year’s program featured two complementary keynote presentations. In the morning, Steve Maltais, a practical philosopher and human relations coach, encouraged participants to strengthen their confidence and assertiveness in various interpersonal situations. In the afternoon, Ms. Marthe Laverdière, a horticulturist, author and renowned speaker known for her authentic and engaging approach, moved and delighted the audience with a presentation that was both humorous and deeply human. She reminded participants that happiness is within reach—by adopting a positive mindset and surrounding oneself with people who bring out the best in us.
As part of the event, the organizing cooperatives presented a $500 donation to the Marthe Laverdière Foundation – La Maison de Jeanne, supporting a meaningful cause for children living with disabilities.
The organizations would like to warmly thank their valued partners for their support in making this event a success: Sollio Groupe Coopératif, Financement agricole Canada, Promutuel, National Bank of Canada and Desjardins. Their commitment plays a key role in promoting the involvement of women in agriculture.
“The Women’s Cooperative Forum has become, over the years, a must-attend event for our members. It provides an opportunity to connect, share experiences and take time for oneself in a setting that is both enriching and inspiring,” said Ms. Jeannine Chartrand, Chair of the organizing committee.
Through this initiative, Agiska Coopérative, Covris Coopérative and Uniag Coopérative reaffirm their commitment to supporting the next generation and to recognizing the vital contribution of women within agriculture and the cooperative movement.
