South Africa to Host 15th BRICS Summit Focusing on Women’s Empowerment
South Africa has announced that it will host the 15th Annual BRICS Summit from August 22 to August 24, 2023. The summit, which brings together leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, aims to harness economic opportunities in the post-COVID-19 pandemic world. This year’s summit is particularly significant as it coincides with National Women’s Month in South Africa, highlighting the importance of empowering women in the global economy.
The Director-General of South Africa’s Department of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, Adv Mikateko Joyce Maluleke, emphasized the need to address the persistent challenges faced by women, including poverty and inequality. While BRICS countries have made significant strides in the global economy, it is crucial to ensure that women are not left behind.
The hosting of the BRICS summit provides a beacon of hope for women across the world who are advocating for accelerated socio-economic opportunities. It presents a platform for change, unlocking economic and social potential for women. Advancing gender equality, particularly in education and employment, has been proven to contribute to economic growth.
As the summit approaches, South Africa believes that substantive issues and policy matters will be addressed to bridge the levels of inequality. People-to-people exchanges within the BRICS program will be crucial in bolstering opportunities for women and girls in rural areas, specifically in accessing quality education, skills development, and training for enhanced employment prospects.
To achieve the ambitious commitments of the Sustainable Development Goals, the Department of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities calls for gender issues to be integrated into all scheduled BRICS activities during and after the annual summit. This commitment reflects South Africa’s constitutional mandate of non-discrimination based on race, sex, gender, or sexual orientation.
The hosting of the BRICS Summit in South Africa presents an opportunity to showcase the country’s dedication to leading socio-economic transformation and promoting gender equality. It sends a strong message that women’s empowerment is essential for inclusive economic growth and development.
In conclusion, the 15th BRICS Summit hosted by South Africa will focus on empowering women and addressing the challenges they face in the global economy. With the backing of all South African women and the Department of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, the summit aims to bridge the gap of inequality and provide socio-economic opportunities for women. By integrating gender issues into all BRICS activities, South Africa seeks to build a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.
