India Hosts BRICS Women Working Group Meeting in Kochi
India has welcomed representatives from BRICS member countries to Kochi, Kerala, for the BRICS Women Working Group (WWG) Meeting, scheduled for July 6 and 7, 2026. This event is part of India’s BRICS Chairship for the year. The meeting gathers senior government officials to discuss ways to enhance women’s participation in governance, business, technology, and sustainable development, while also fostering deeper cooperation among member nations.
Organized under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability,” the gathering reflects India’s focus on people-centered development and inclusive growth. The discussions aim to shape future policies that promote women-led development across various sectors.
During the two-day meeting, officials will exchange ideas on four major priorities: increasing women’s roles in leadership and governance, improving digital and financial inclusion, supporting women entrepreneurs through better skills and opportunities, and encouraging women’s participation in climate action, food security, and nutrition. These topics have gained significance as countries strive for more inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
This meeting follows three virtual preparatory discussions held earlier this year on April 30, May 22, and June 29, in which participating countries worked on key proposals and outcome documents. The Kochi meeting is expected to facilitate a broader consensus among member nations before ministerial-level discussions commence later this week.
BRICS currently comprises 11 member countries: Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates. Together, these nations account for around 40 percent of the world’s GDP and represent nearly half of the global population, establishing BRICS as an influential platform on international development issues.
The Women Working Group Meeting is also laying the groundwork for the BRICS Women Ministerial Meeting, scheduled for July 8–9, 2026, where ministers are expected to review recommendations and strengthen commitments toward women-led growth.
By hosting this event in Kochi, India is emphasizing the importance of international collaboration in creating greater opportunities for women. The discussions are expected to contribute to practical initiatives that empower women, promote innovation, and encourage inclusive development across BRICS nations while reaffirming India’s commitment to gender equality and global cooperation.
