New Delhi, March 12 : With the emphasis on women-led development in India’s G-20 Presidency and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of fostering inclusivity and driving positive change, BRICS CCI WE, the women's empowerment vertical of the BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry, hosted its fourth Annual Summit and Felicitations 2024 on the theme 'The Changing Narrative: Women Development to Women-led Development'.

BRICS CCI WE also unveiled a report, 'New Era of BRICS: Horizons in Tech and Business for Women Empowerment', with special emphasis on the technology and entrepreneurship landscape for women across the BRICS countries.

The vertical also hosted the convocation of the first batch of women participants in the BRICS CCI WE Global Women Leadership Programme at the Summit.

The summit was graced by diplomats from the Embassies of Russia, China, Brazil, South Africa, Iran, Cuba, Costa Rica, Chile, Belarus, Gambia, Angola, Chad, Comoros, and Venezuela, among others.

Sonal Mansingh, Padma Vibhushan awardee and Member of Rajya Sabha, was the chief guest at the Summit.

Shazia Ilmi, national spokesperson of the BJP' Swati Singh, former Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Women and Child Welfare, Government of Uttar Pradesh; Sanjay Bhattacharyya (Retd.), former BRICS Sherpa and Secretary to Government of India; and Ajay Chaudhary (IPS), Special Commissioner of Police in charge of Special Police Unit for Women & Children and Special Police Unit for North-East Region, also addressed the gathering.

In her welcome address, Ruby Sinha, President, BRICS CCI WE, said, "The transition from women's development to women-led development signifies not just a change in narrative, but a commitment to empower half of our population. Women are no longer viewed as passive recipients of aid, but as active agents of change, capable of leading and shaping their own development and that of their communities.''