The BRICS Women Ministerial Meeting concluded in Kochi on 9 July 2026 under India's BRICS Chairmanship, marking a significant step towards strengthening cooperation on women-led development among member nations. Organised by the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development, the four-day event brought together ministers, senior officials, and delegates from 11 BRICS countries to discuss strategies for advancing women's leadership, entrepreneurship, digital inclusion, and sustainable development. The meeting's landmark outcome was the adoption of the first-ever Joint Statement under the BRICS Women Track, alongside the launch of two India-led initiatives designed to enhance long-term collaboration.
Key Highlights
- BRICS nations adopted the first-ever Joint Statement under the Women Track
- India launched two digital initiatives to boost women's empowerment and knowledge-sharing
- Delegates from 11 BRICS member countries reaffirmed cooperation for women-led development
Held from 6 to 9 July, the programme combined the BRICS Women's Working Group Meeting and the Ministerial Meeting. Senior officials met during the first two days to deliberate on priority areas, while ministers convened on 8 and 9 July to explore ways to strengthen women's participation in economic, social, and political spheres. India's BRICS Chairmanship is guided by four pillars: Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability, with women's empowerment integrated across each priority.
The Joint Statement of the 4th BRICS Women Ministerial Meeting reaffirmed the collective commitment of member countries to deepen cooperation on women-led development. As the first joint statement in the history of the BRICS Women Track, it aims to strengthen institutional partnerships, encourage the exchange of knowledge and best practices, and promote inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across BRICS nations.
During India's Chairship, member countries also welcomed two new initiatives proposed by India. The BRICS Women Digital Repository of Best Practices will provide a shared platform for documenting and exchanging successful policies, programmes, and innovations related to women's empowerment. The BRICS Women Digital Capacity Building Guidelines will support institutional partnerships, promote digital learning, and strengthen capacity-building efforts across the grouping.
Addressing the concluding session, Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annapurna Devi described the adoption of the Joint Statement as a historic milestone that would provide fresh direction to discussions on women's issues within BRICS. She noted that although BRICS countries represent diverse geographical, cultural, and economic backgrounds, they share several common challenges concerning women's empowerment. She emphasised that greater cooperation and knowledge-sharing would help women become stronger entrepreneurs, innovators, and decision-makers.
Secretary of the Ministry of Women and Child Development Anil Malik said the Joint Statement reflected the shared determination of BRICS member countries to collectively address common challenges and strengthen collaboration under the Women Track.
The ministerial meeting also featured thematic panel discussions involving policymakers, experts, and development partners. Discussions covered digital inclusion, women's entrepreneurship, financial empowerment, climate resilience, food security, and nutrition. Delegates also visited an exhibition showcasing India's women-led development initiatives, including SARAS, the Lakhpati Didi initiative, ASMITA, women in STEM, financial inclusion programmes, SHE-Box, One Stop Centres, and the Women's Helpline.
The meeting concluded with BRICS member countries reaffirming their commitment to expanding institutional partnerships, enhancing knowledge exchange, and promoting women-led development as a key driver of inclusive and sustainable growth. The Kochi meeting also served as an important precursor to the 18th BRICS Summit, which India will host in New Delhi later this September.
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