The cooperative movement is one of the largest economic and social movements in the world; yet it remains poorly understood and rarely spoken about. Globally, cooperatives involve over a billion members, millions of enterprises and provide livelihoods for around 10% of the world’s working population.

In this episode, we speak with Rebecca Harvey, Executive Editor of Co-op News, about how cooperatives function across countries, sectors, and social contexts. And why such a vast movement continues to remain “hidden in plain sight”.

Drawing on global examples, the conversation spans cooperatives in retail, agriculture, healthcare, housing, education, and technology, with particular attention to women’s work and leadership, youth participation, and platform cooperatives. We also speak about the role of cooperatives in reshaping the world of work marked by inequality, unpaid care, and exhausted workers.

Rebecca is the 15th editor of Coop-News’ 151 year history, and only the second woman to hold the post.