India Hosts BRICS Women Working Group Meeting: Advancing Women-Led Development

As part of its BRICS Chairship, India is hosting the two-day BRICS Women Working Group (WWG) meeting in Kochi, Kerala, commencing on July 6, 2026. This high-level forum serves as a critical platform for member nations to deliberate on strategies that transition the global discourse from 'women's development' to 'women-led development.' The meeting is structured around four core priority areas that reflect contemporary global challenges and opportunities. First, 'Women in Governance and Leadership' aims to address the systemic barriers preventing equitable representation in decision-making bodies. Second, 'Digital and Financial Inclusion' focuses on bridging the gender gap in technology access and financial literacy, which are essential for economic empowerment in the modern era. Third, 'Entrepreneurship' highlights the need for fostering a supportive ecosystem for women-owned businesses, including access to credit and markets. Finally, the 'Role of Women in Climate Action and Food Security' acknowledges the disproportionate impact of climate change on women and emphasizes their role as key stakeholders in sustainable agricultural practices and environmental conservation.