Düzce opens women-led agricultural cooperative in Güven Köyü

The Güven Köyü Women's Agricultural Development Cooperative has officially opened in Düzce, Turkey. The cooperative consists of 21 female members and was established with support from the Düzce Governorship, the Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, the Düzce Special Provincial Administration, and the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TÜRSAB).

The initiative aims to promote rural development by adding value to agricultural products, producing baked goods, and engaging in handicrafts. Cooperative President Nihal Altındağ, a 77-year-old retired teacher, emphasized that the project was realized through the collective labor and solidarity of women, serving as both an economic and social transformation tool.

Local officials noted the significant role of women in the region's economy. Esra Uzun, the Düzce Provincial Director of Agriculture and Forestry, reported that out of 28,000 registered farmers in the province, 6,000 are women, representing approximately 21% of registered producers. She highlighted that the actual number of women contributing to agriculture through family farming is likely higher.