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.
BRICS pledged to support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted in 2015, including Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 5 on gender equality and 8 on inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all, which seeks to address gender inequalities at work. The BRICS members demonstrated commitment and made progress towards bridging gender divide in the economy. All BRICS members have special national comprehensive policies to facilitate women empowerment and public authorities directly responsible for their implementation.
Brazil implemented a comprehensive strategy for women empowerment in 2013—2015. A new programme is now discussed by the government and interested stakeholders. Article 461 of the Brazilian Labour Code provides for equal pay for work of equal value. The Constitutional Amendment No. 72 (2013) extended labour rights to domestic workers. The 2015 Amendments (Art. 10) to the Constitution introduced employment protection regulations to prevent employers from making women redundant in the event of pregnancy. The Ministry on women, family and human rights are responsible for the gender policy coordination. Brazil achieved equality in terms of educational.
