MADISON, Wis.—The Global Women’s Leadership Network is reporting credit union women in five African nations and two U.S. states have started new Sister Societies since the organization surpassed a total of 100 in July of 2019, bringing the new total to 108 chapters in 26 countries.
Sister Societies are Global Women’s chapters established on a local level around the world to further GWLN's global mission by making a local impact. The purpose is to convene credit union women, discuss credit union issues, exchange ideas, network with neighboring credit union leaders and provide education to share lessons learned with Network members worldwide.
According to the World Council, with the assistance of the Africa Confederation of Co-operative Savings and Credit Union Associations new GWLN Sister Societies have been established in:
- Eswatini (formerly Swaziland)
- Ghana
- Kenya
- Nigeria
- The Gambia
Sister Societies Double
The additions more than double the number of Sister Societies on the continent. Malawi and Uganda were the only African nations where Sister Societies had previously been established, WOCCU said.
“We are so encouraged to see credit union women across Africa empowering themselves and others by taking the important step of connecting to our global network of Sister Societies,” said Lena Giakoumopoulos, GWLN program director. “It is a sure sign that we are living our mission of providing women with the opportunity and resources to make a measurable difference in their own lives, and the lives of their credit union members and communities.”
The two additional U.S. chapters were added in Tucson, Ariz. and Madison, Wis.
The Madison, Wis., Sister Society is notably comprised of women who work at WOCCU, CUNA, CUNA Mutual and Your CU Partner.
According to WOCCU, GWLN Sister Societies continue to be the main vehicle connecting GWLN members in the U.S. and abroad. This year at the GWLN Breakfast at GAC—attendees will hear about the latest activities from Sister Societies making an impact in their communities.