.png;w=960)
REGINA — Conexus Credit Union is investing in global co-operative development, announcing a $100,000 donation to support women leaders and strengthen businesses in the Global South.
The funding will support the Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada’s (CDF Canada) Women’s Mentorship Program, a long-running initiative focused on leadership development and co-operative growth.
Since 2002, the program has supported more than 250 women from credit unions and financial co-operatives across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, equipping them with mentorship, governance knowledge and business skills.
Participants often return home with increased confidence and go on to take on leadership roles or mentor others in their communities. One participant, Grace Wanjiru Kung’u of Kenya, described the experience as life-changing.
“This has been a truly transformative experience. It has shaped my career, who I am as a person and how I show up in my community. One of the biggest changes for me is a strong sense of determination. Through the program, I’ve been able to break down the limits and stereotypes I once felt as a woman leader. I now feel like I’m in a place of unlimited possibilities. It has helped me connect more deeply with myself and given me the confidence to step forward and serve my community. I see myself as a change agent.”
Conexus has a long history of supporting the program, previously alongside Cornerstone and Synergy Credit Unions. Now operating as a single organization, it plans to host two participants in Saskatchewan this June.
Chief executive officer Celina Philpot said supporting women leaders aligns closely with the organization’s values and community focus.
“Conexus is a credit union where women thrive. We have female leaders at every level of the organization, and many of our community partnerships focus on supporting the well-being of women in our province. As a leader in the credit union system, we believe we have a responsibility to also create opportunities for female co-operative leaders throughout the world who are helping improve their communities. CDF Canada’s Women’s Mentorship Program benefits the participants, the host credit unions and their respective local communities immensely."
Program leaders say the benefits extend beyond participants, creating a shared learning experience for both Canadian and international co-operatives.
“At the very heart of the Women’s Mentorship Program is mutual exchange. While participants gain the skills and confidence to grow as leaders and transform their communities, Canadian credit unions gain just as much through the perspectives, experiences and leadership these women bring into their organizations. This two-way learning strengthens institutions on both sides and contributes to a more connected, inclusive and resilient global co-operative sector, where women are not only participating, but leading change,” said Mariel Edwards-Carreau, Women’s Mentorship Program lead with CDF Canada.
Conexus follows the seven co-operative principles, including concern for community and co-operation among co-operatives. The co-operative business model is a path to local economic growth, community well-being and improved standards of living in the Global South today as it was in Saskatchewan when co-operatives were first formed in the province.
