The Women Empowerment vertical of the BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BRICS CCI WE) has launched a global initiative titled WISE – Women in Innovation, Science and Entrepreneurship, aimed at advancing gender equity in STEM and entrepreneurship across BRICS+ nations.
Announced during the BRICS Women Business Alliance Annual Plenary in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the WISE initiative is built on three core pillars: Innovation & Collaboration, Access to Funding, and Policy Advocacy. It seeks to empower women in emerging fields like artificial intelligence by fostering inclusive innovation, building global mentorship networks, and facilitating access to capital and policy reform.
The initiative is being developed in collaboration with key partners, including Mulheres Inspiradoras, SKOLKOVO Women’s Forum, SheAtWork, and the FORE Centre for Political Leadership and Governance (FCPLG).
BRICS CCI WE also signed an MoU with the WBA Brazilian Chapter to promote sustainable development and gender parity through joint efforts.
The Global Advisory Board of WISE includes prominent figures such as:
- Ambassador Sanjay Bhattacharyya (former BRICS Sherpa)
- Monica Monteiro (BRICS WBA Brazil Chair)
- Lebogang Zulu (South Africa’s BRICS WBA Chair)
- BBL Madhukar (Director General, BRICS CCI)
- Ruby Sinha (President, BRICS CCI WE and Programme Lead, WISE)
- Sanjeeva Shivesh (Co-founder, Think Startup)
- Monica Maghami (Tech policy expert)
Ruby Sinha stated, “WISE brings together mentors, experts, and innovators to create a collaborative global ecosystem that uplifts women and drives sustainable innovation across BRICS+ nations. It will also work to identify systemic barriers and advocate for policies enabling women’s full participation in innovation and enterprise.”
BRICS CCI WE continues to focus on empowering women entrepreneurs and professionals through cross-border collaboration, forums, and impactful policy discussions.
