G20 Leaders Agree on Working Group for Women’s Empowerment During Indian Presidency
In a significant move for gender equality and women’s empowerment, the G20, under the Indian Presidency, has formed a Working Group on the empowerment of women. This development aligns with India’s strong commitment to championing “Gender Equality and Empowering All Women and Girls.” The decision to establish the Working Group was made during the G20 Women’s Ministerial Conference held in Gandhinagar from August 2nd to 4th, 2023.
The G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration for 2023 focuses on key areas, including “Enhancing Economic and Social Empowerment,” “Bridging the Gender Digital Divide,” “Driving Gender-Inclusive Climate Action,” and “Securing Women’s Food Security, Nutrition, and Well-Being.”
One of the pivotal outcomes is the creation of a Working Group aimed at supporting the G20 Women’s Ministerial, which is set to hold its inaugural meeting during the Brazilian G20 Presidency. This commitment reflects India’s consistent advocacy for gender parity and equity, championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Ministry of Women & Child Development acknowledges the active involvement and support of G20 leaders, delegates, and representatives from various countries and guest nations throughout India’s Presidency. These engagements included activities related to the W20 engagement group, the EMPOWER initiative, and the Ministerial Conference on Women Empowerment (MCWE), involving countries such as Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, European Union, France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkiye, United Kingdom, USA, Bangladesh, Mauritius, Netherlands, Nigeria, Singapore, Spain, Oman, and the UAE.
India’s G20 Presidency, emphasizing women-led development, featured numerous international conferences and virtual meetings focused on gender equality. These events included G20 EMPOWER and W20 meetings, and the Ministry expresses its gratitude to State Governments, Central Ministries, Knowledge Partners, including UN Women, FICCI, CII, and others who collaborated on the theme of Women-led Development and the organization of international events and exhibitions.
Local artisans, craftspersons, women in unconventional fields, and women entrepreneurs played a significant role in showcasing their products, skills, and services at international conferences and panel discussions. The Ministry of Women and Child Development extends its sincere appreciation for their valuable contributions.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India’s G20 Presidency adopted the principle of “Jan Bhagidari” or Citizen’s Engagement, making it a hallmark of the presidency. Over 300,000 citizens participated in various Janbhagidari events, showcasing Women-Led Development and the active involvement of women community leaders, artisans, Self Help Groups, SMEs, corporates, and business entities from different states in making India’s G20 Presidency an inclusive and people-centric event.
