The Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada (CDF Canada) is honoured to announce a new partnership with the Women’s Legal Resources Centre (WOLREC), a leading Malawian organization advancing access to justice, economic empowerment, and leadership for women and girls. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to building inclusive, gender-equitable communities through co-operative solutions.
CDF Canada and WOLREC will work together to strengthen women-led co-operatives, promote community-based economic participation, and deepen women’s leadership in social and financial systems. At a time when gender equality is central to achieving long-term development outcomes, this collaboration reinforces the role of co-operatives as powerful tools for empowerment and change.
The partnership will prioritize inclusive economic growth, capacity building, and locally rooted co-operative models that address gender-based violence, expand access to justice, and improve livelihoods. Together, WOLREC and CDF Canada are aligned in their belief that women’s voices, leadership, and agency are vital to sustainable development.
WOLREC operates across 18 districts in Malawi, implementing community-driven programs focused on legal aid, political participation, economic empowerment, and the reduction of harmful practices. Their work directly supports women and girls in navigating structural barriers and creating pathways to leadership and opportunity.
This partnership will support the growth of women-centered co-operatives that are responsive to community realities and led by those closest to the challenges they seek to address.
Find out more about WOLREC here.