The BRICS Women Ministers’ Meet concluded in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, with the formation of a monitoring committee to ensure the implementation of commitments made during the meeting. The three-day event, attended by representatives from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, focused on empowering women and promoting gender equality.
Key outcomes include a commitment to strengthen cooperation in areas like women’s economic empowerment, healthcare, education, and combating violence against women. A significant emphasis was placed on leveraging digital technologies to bridge the gender digital divide and enhance women’s access to information and opportunities.
The meeting resulted in the Thiruvananthapuram Call for Action, outlining a framework for future collaboration. This call emphasizes the need for comprehensive policies addressing gender-based violence, promoting women’s leadership in all spheres, and ensuring women’s equal participation in decision-making processes.
India’s Ministry of Women and Child Development highlighted its own initiatives like the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao scheme (Save the Daughter, Educate the Daughter) and the Mission Shakti, showcasing national efforts towards women’s empowerment. Discussions also revolved around the impact of climate change on women and the importance of integrating gender perspectives into climate action plans.
The monitoring committee, composed of representatives from all BRICS nations, will track progress on the agreed-upon actions and report back at future meetings. The next BRICS Women Ministers’ Meet will be hosted by Russia. The event underscored the shared commitment of BRICS nations to advance gender equality and the empowerment of women, recognizing their crucial role in sustainable development and global progress. The meet also acknowledged the diverse challenges faced by women in different BRICS countries and the need for tailored solutions.
