NEW DELHI: Brics leaders on Saturday asserted that they recognised women as leaders, decision-makers and key drivers of economic growth and social transformation.In a joint declaration issued after their meeting, the leaders also acknowledged the vital role of women in peacebuilding in line with the global Women, Peace and Security agenda.“We affirm that women’s participation in governance; their financial and digital inclusion; their capacity building, access to skill development and entrepreneurship opportunities, support to entrepreneurship, access to productive and social services and their crucial role in climate action, food security and nutrition, which are interconnected is key for sustainable development,” the declaration said.The leaders also highlighted the importance of policies supporting women’s full participation in economic life, including through appropriate care policies in accordance with national circumstances.“We also recognise the importance of policies that support women’s full participation in economic life, including through appropriate care policies, in accordance with national circumstances,” it added.The leaders said they looked forward to the 12th Brics Parliamentary Forum in October 2026, which will include a meeting of women parliamentarians and a meeting of international affairs committee chairpersons.“We emphasise the importance of these engagements as useful platforms to enhance mutual understanding and trust among nations, drive innovation and strengthen institutional resilience towards building an inclusive, sustainable and equitable future for all,” they said.
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The declaration also commended the role of the Brics Women’s Business Alliance (WBA) in promoting women’s entrepreneurship, leadership and economic participation across member countries.“We welcome the recommendations in the Annual Report of the Women’s Business Alliance that aims at improving access to finance, markets, technology, skills development and digital opportunities for women-led enterprises. We note the strong engagement achieved to date across Brics countries in the WBA’s 2026 programmes,” the leaders said.“We encourage BRICS National Chapters to continue strengthening intra-Brics cooperation on women’s economic participation, including through knowledge-sharing and joint initiatives,” the declaration added.