@article{article_1772219, title={Women’s Cooperatives as Agents of Social Transformation and the Local Economy: A Content Analysis}, journal={Kent Akademisi}, volume={18}, pages={128–145}, year={2025}, DOI={10.35674/kent.1772219}, author={Göç, Kubilayhan}, keywords={Sürdürülebilir Beceri, Kadın Emeği, Toplumsal Cinsiyet, Girişimcilik, Kadın Girişimciliği, Türkiye}, abstract={In Türkiye, women’s labor has long been considered invisible work, particularly evident in rural areas, where it is been limited to unpaid family labor and informal employment. In recent years, the growing number of women’s cooperatives has transformed this invisible labor into significant organizations that makes this invisible labor visible economically, socially, and culturally. This study examines women’s cooperatives’ contributions to sustainable development and how women are empowered at individual, social, and institutional levels. The research questions focus on the impact of women’s cooperatives on the local economy and social development, which themes are most prominent, and how support mechanisms operate. The research data were obtained from 12 episodes of the program Hayallerinin Peşinde (In Pursuit of Dreams), broadcast by the Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT) which features women’s cooperatives in the Central Anatolia Region. The data was analyzed using a directed content analysis method and classified under five main themes and their corresponding sub-themes. The findings show that women are represented not only in production processes but also as active actors in technical skills, entrepreneurial culture, decision-making, and leadership. Additionally, while family support emerged as a key factor, Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) were found to be limited. In conclusion, the study highlights that women’s cooperatives play a critical role in sustainable development, gender equality, and the visibility of women’s labor; it offers a cultural and discursive dimension beyond the economic-focused research in the literature.}, number={Uluslararası Girişimcilik Sosyal Bilimler Kongresi Özel Sayısı}, publisher={Ahmet FİDAN}