NEW DELHI – The Ministry of Women and Child Development convened the first preparatory meeting of the BRICS Women’s Working Group on April 30, 2026. Held virtually under India’s BRICS Presidency, the session was led by Caralyn Khongwar Deshmukh, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Women and Child Development.
The meeting brought together representatives from BRICS member nations, various Indian government departments, and knowledge partners including UN Women and FICCI to outline a strategic roadmap for women-led development.
Core Themes and Strategic Priorities
Guided by the theme of India’s chairship—‘Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability’—the discussions focused on four critical priority areas:
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Governance and Leadership: Increasing women’s participation in decision-making roles.
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Financial and Digital Inclusion: Bridging the gap in access to modern financial tools and technology.
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Entrepreneurship and Skills: Fostering business ownership and vocational training for women.
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Climate and Food Security: Strengthening women’s roles in climate action and nutritional security.
Commitment to Women-Led Development
The meeting reaffirmed India’s stance that women are essential drivers of economic growth and social transformation. BRICS member nations expressed strong support for these priority areas, emphasizing a shared spirit of cooperation and cross-border learning.
Roadmap to Kochi Summit
The outcomes of this preparatory session will serve as the foundation for two upcoming high-level events scheduled to take place in Kochi, Kerala:
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BRICS Women Working Group Meeting: July 6–7, 2026.
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BRICS Women Ministerial Meeting: July 8–9, 2026.
These upcoming ministerial discussions are expected to formalize regional policies aimed at empowering women across the BRICS nations and enhancing their impact on global governance.
