India hosts first preparatory meeting of BRICS Women’s working group its 2026 presidency
In a significant step towards placing women’s empowerment at the heart of multilateral diplomacy, the Ministry of Women and Child Development convened the first preparatory meeting of the BRICS. Women’s Working Group in virtual mode under India’s BRICS Presidency on April 30. The meeting highlighted on India’s resolve to champion women as central contributors to global progress.
The meeting reaffirmed India’s commitment to promoting women – led development, recognizing women as key drivers of economic growth, governance, and social transformation.
Four priority areas take Centre stage
Guided by the theme of India’s BRICS chairship – “Building for Resilience, Innovation, cooperation and Sustainability”- the meeting centered upon on key global issues concerning women, grouped into four primacy areas: women in governance, leadership, financial and digital inclusion and women role in climate action, food security, and nutrition.
Wide representation from across BRICS nations and beyond
Representatives from BRICS countries attended the meeting along with officials from different ministries and departments of the Government of India. Knowledge partners such as UN Women and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry ( FICCI), were also present. Additional Secretary Caralyn Khongwar Deshmukh welcomed the delegates and opened the discussions.
Key meetings ahead
The dialogue is set to contribute to key outcomes to be finalized at the BRICS Women’s Working Group Meeting on July 6-7,2026, and the BRICS Women Ministerial Meeting on July 8-9,2026, both to be held in Kochi, Kerala.
India vision for BRICS 2026
India holds the 2026 BRICS presidency- reflecting a people – centric and humanity -first approach articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 17th BRICS Summit held in Rio de Janeiro in2025.
With this preparatory meeting, India has signaled its intent to use BRICS presidency to turning discussions on gender equality and shape a stronger policy framework focused on expanding women’s leadership and participation in governance, economic development, and sustainability efforts across BRICS nations.
