Women Economic Empowerment in BRICS

Russian Chairmanship in BRICS 2020 presented a toolkit “Women Economic Empowerment in BRICS: Policies, Achievements, Challenges and Solutions”.

The toolkit was prepared by the BRICS Russia Expert Council with the support of the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation and the Russian National Committee on BRICS Research.

Persistent gender-based barriers hamper sectoral reallocation, impede a more efficient allocation of labour, slow a rise in total labour force participation, reduce productivity and economic growth rates. The BRICS countries have undertaken various and differing measures and initiatives for eliminating barriers, integrating women in economic activities, reducing the gender digital divide and ensuring gender economic equity but still have a long way to go. 

The spread of the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the pre-existing barriers and knocked back the progress across every sphere, from health to the economy. Compounded economic and social impacts are felt especially by women due to their share in the health sector, informal employment and unpaid care work. More than ever the BRICS collective commitment to women economic empowerment is needed in addressing the double-pronged crisis.

The report presents an analysis of the policies, current trends, barriers, common challenges and opportunities in women economic empowerment in the BRICS countries. It highlights best practices in the BRICS members’ gender policy which can be implemented by partners to overcome existing hurdles. The review is intended to facilitate peer learning and policy-making for the wellbeing of the BRICS women, societies and economies. The document starts with a brief overview of the members’ national policies. It then reflects on the achievements, common challenges and prospects for women empowerment. In conclusion it provides policy recommendations for BRICS agenda and members’ national policies. 

Victoria Panova, Scientific Supervisor, BRICS Russia Expert Council; Managing Director, Russian National Committee on BRICS Research:

"We believe that this toolkit is a rapid and targeted response to alleviate the adverse impact on women and girls caused by the COVID-19 pandemic".

Natalia Stapran, Director, Department of Multilateral Economic Cooperation and Special Projects, Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation:

"Collecting and analyzing sex-disaggregated data is a vital priority nowadays as it is necessary for evidence-based policymaking".