Small-Scale Cooperative of an Educational Institution: A Gender Equality Analysis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69569/jip.2026.141Keywords:
Cooperative governance, Gender equality, Small-scale cooperative, Educational institution, PhilippinesAbstract
This descriptive study examined the limited assessment of gender equality practices in small-scale, multi-purpose cooperatives within educational institutions. It focused on the College of Maasin–Faculty and Staff Multi-Purpose Cooperative (CMFSMPC) and aimed to describe its cooperative profile, examine gender distribution in membership, leadership, and financial contributions, and assess its level of gender equality using the Cooperative Development Authority gender equality assessment tool. Data were gathered through document review of membership records, leadership rosters, policies, and activity reports. The study assessed four areas: people, policy, enabling mechanisms, and projects, programs, and activities. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to analyze gender distribution and its association with members’ roles and savings deposits. Results showed that women comprised 69.25% of the cooperative membership and held most leadership roles and financial contributions. However, chi-square results showed no significant relationship between gender and cooperative roles (p = 0.833) or between gender and savings deposits (p = 0.074). Despite the strong presence of women in membership and leadership, the cooperative obtained a low level of gender equality based on the CDA assessment tool. Key gaps were found in gender sensitivity training, policy integration, gender-responsive mechanisms, and monitoring of gender-related programs and activities. The findings suggest that CMFSMPC shows formal compliance with gender-related requirements, but gender equality is not yet fully institutionalized in its policies and practices. The study recommends stronger gender mainstreaming policies, regular capacity-building activities, clearer monitoring systems, and more gender responsive cooperative programs. Future studies may include interviews with male and female members and cooperative leaders to better explain gender-related gaps beyond documentary evidence.
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