The G20 EMPOWER Summit is set to kick off on August 1, 2023, at the iconic Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. With the theme “Women-Led Development: ensuring a sustainable, inclusive, and equitable global economic growth,” the summit is expected to bring together delegates from G20 nations, invited guest countries, international organizations, global experts, policymakers, and stakeholders.
Organized under the Sherpa Track, the Ministry of Women and Child Development spearheads EMPOWER, which stands for the G20 Alliance for Empowerment and Progress of Women’s Economic Progression. This private sector-led initiative aims to accelerate women’s leadership and empowerment in the private sector across G20 countries.
Prior to the main summit, two international meetings were held in India in February and April 2023, with active support from the Ministry of Women and Child Development. The outcomes of these meetings will be reflected in the EMPOWER Communique, which will be presented during the Summit meeting in Gandhinagar on 1st-2nd August, 2023. The recommendations outlined in the Communique will be presented to G20 leaders.
To engage the people of India, G20 EMPOWER 2023 has been conducting various nationwide engagements under the Jan Bhagidari (Citizen’s Connect Program). These engagements cover a wide range of topics related to the empowerment and progression of women’s economic representation.
The Summit’s inauguration will be led by the Union Minister for Women & Child Development and Minority Affairs, Smriti Zubin Irani. Key outcomes under the G20 EMPOWER agenda will also be launched during this session, including the G20 EMPOWER Tech Equity Digital Inclusion Platform, the Best Practices Playbook, the KPI Dashboard, and the adoption of the G20 EMPOWER Communique 2023.
The Tech Equity Digital Inclusion Platform, developed with support from the Ministry of Women and Child Development, aims to bridge the gender digital divide by providing women with the necessary digital skills and knowledge to thrive in today’s technology-driven world. Available in over 120 languages, the platform is now open for registration for girls and women from G20 nations to undertake digital skilling and upskilling courses.
The inaugural session will also feature esteemed speakers, including Dr. Munjpara Mahendrabhai, Minister of State for Women & Child Development and AYUSH, India; Indevar Pandey, Secretary, Ministry of Women & Child Development, India; Lakshmi Shyam Sunder, Vice-President, World Bank; and Sima Bahous, Executive Director, UN Women.
Throughout the summit, various sessions will focus on different aspects of women’s empowerment. “Leading the Change: Women Redefining Leadership” will delve into the transformative role of women in leadership positions and how they redefine the norms and expectations of leadership. “Leveraging Digital Public Infrastructure to Advance Financial Equality for Women” will highlight country experiences in developing and implementing various constituents of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).
The “Closing the Gap: Achieving Tech Equity for Women” session will discuss ways to bridge existing gaps and bring more women into the technology sector, showcasing the Tech Equity platform. The session on “She-preneurs: Harnessing the Power of Women-Led Enterprises” will focus on overcoming barriers faced by women-led enterprises and breaking stereotypes. The “Leadership Unplugged: Empowering Stories by Inspirational Leaders” session will bring inspiring stories of women leaders from various fields, sharing their experiences, initiatives, and stories of perseverance. Union Minister Smriti Zubin Irani emphasized at the EMPOWER Inception Meeting in Agra the importance of placing women at the center of decision-making to ensure a better future for all.
The G20 EMPOWER Summit marks the culmination of numerous international engagements and deliberations held under the EMPOWER agenda during India’s G20 Presidency. The event is expected to announce tangible outcomes, pledges to strengthen the private sector’s contribution to achieving gender equity, and key recommendations for private sector leaders and governments for the consideration of G20 Leaders.
Apart from the Summit’s important discussions, special arrangements have been made for delegates to experience Gujarat’s vibrant culture, cuisine, and tourist attractions. The summit will conclude on August 2, 2023, just ahead of the G20 Ministerial Conference on Women Empowerment.
