India Reaffirms Women Led Growth Agenda at BRICS Preparatory Meeting

New Delhi, May 1, 2026: The Ministry of Women and Child Development organized the first preparatory meeting of the BRICS Women Working Group on April 30, 2026 in virtual mode under India’s presidency of BRICS. The session brought together representatives from BRICS member countries along with officials from different Government of India ministries and partner organizations including UN Women and the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The meeting was inaugurated with opening remarks by Ms Caralyn Khongwar Deshmukh, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Women and Child Development, who welcomed all participating delegates and outlined the objectives of the discussions.

Aligned with the theme of India’s BRICS chairmanship focused on resilience innovation cooperation and sustainability, the dialogue centered on key global concerns affecting women. Discussions were structured around four major focus areas including participation of women in governance and leadership, financial access and digital empowerment, promotion of entrepreneurship and skill development among women, and the role of women in addressing challenges related to climate change food security and nutrition.

Participants collectively reiterated India’s commitment to strengthening a development model driven by women and recognized women as important contributors to economic progress governance systems and social change across societies.

Member countries of BRICS appreciated India’s leadership role during the chairmanship period and expressed support for the identified priority areas while emphasizing collaboration shared learning and continued engagement.

The outcomes of the meeting are expected to contribute to the upcoming BRICS Women Working Group Meeting scheduled for July 6 and 7 2026 followed by the BRICS Women Ministerial Meeting to be held in Kochi Kerala on July 8 and 9 2026.