India will host the BRICS Women Working Group (WWG) Meeting in Kochi, Kerala, on July 6 and 7 as part of its BRICS Chairship 2026, bringing together senior government officials from member countries to strengthen cooperation on women's empowerment and inclusive development.

The two-day meeting will focus on promoting women-led development, enhancing policy collaboration and advancing shared priorities among BRICS nations under India's Chairship theme, "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability." The theme reflects India's emphasis on people-centric growth and sustainable global partnerships.

According to the Ministry of Women and Child Development, delegates from all BRICS member countries will deliberate on four key priority areas under the BRICS Women Track. These include increasing women's participation in governance and leadership, expanding digital and financial inclusion, promoting women’s entrepreneurship and skill development, and strengthening women's role in climate action, food security and nutrition.

Officials said the meeting is expected to deepen policy dialogue, facilitate the exchange of best practices and encourage collaborative initiatives aimed at improving the socio-economic status of women across the BRICS grouping.

The Kochi meeting also serves as an important preparatory platform ahead of the BRICS Women Ministerial Meeting, scheduled for July 8 and 9, where ministers are expected to review the recommendations of the Working Group and reaffirm their commitment to advancing women-led development through practical cooperation.

The discussions build upon three virtual consultations held on April 30, May 22 and June 29, during which member countries worked toward consensus on key agenda items before the in-person meeting.

BRICS currently comprises 11 member countries—Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates. Together, the grouping accounts for nearly 40 per cent of global GDP and represents approximately 49.5 per cent of the world's population, making gender-inclusive growth a significant priority for the bloc.

Officials believe the outcomes of the Kochi meeting will contribute to stronger institutional cooperation among BRICS nations while supporting policies that promote women's economic participation, leadership opportunities and sustainable development.

India's hosting of the Women Working Group reflects its broader commitment to fostering inclusive growth and strengthening international partnerships focused on gender equality and women's empowerment within the expanding BRICS framework.