In 2024, Brazil’s Ministry of Women has taken on a crucial role by leading the new Working Group on Women’s Empowerment during the country’s presidency of the G20. This initiative, born from the commitment of world leaders to ensure the rights of women and girls, aims to address fundamental issues that impact the lives of millions of women worldwide.
Context and Evolution
Since the establishment of Women20 (W20) in 2015, there has been a continuous effort from governments and civil society organizations to promote female empowerment. The G20 Alliance for the Empowerment and Progress of Women’s Economic Representation (G20 Empower) was formed in 2019, fostering effective partnerships between the business sector and governments to ensure gender equality in the economy.
The establishment of the Working Group on Women’s Empowerment is a milestone that reinforces this commitment. During its first virtual meeting, three key themes were agreed upon to guide the discussions and actions of the group in 2024, reflecting the urgency of the current situation.
Priority Themes of the Working Group
- Equality and Autonomy: Work and Care Policies
The disparity in the division of labor, along with unpaid care work, perpetuates gender inequality. The Working Group plans to analyze data on gender equality in the labor market and formulate policy proposals that address these inequities. The International Seminar on Care Work, scheduled for July 2024, exemplifies how spaces for dialogue and concrete proposals are being created. - Violence Against Women and Online Misogyny
Violence against women, particularly that facilitated by technology, remains an alarming issue. The Working Group aims to investigate and systematize existing policies to combat online misogyny. Through a thorough literature review and research on technological violence, it will seek to establish effective recommendations for preventing and responding to these forms of violence. - Climate Justice with a Gender Perspective
Women are leaders in the fight against climate change, but their representation in global decision-making is still insufficient. The Working Group will investigate how climate emergencies affect women and girls, analyzing public policies implemented in the G20. This report is expected to include methodologies for collecting and analyzing data on environmental injustices from a gender perspective, as well as a mapping of best practices led by women.
A Promising Future
The establishment of this Working Group is a significant advancement towards global women’s empowerment. However, the effectiveness of these initiatives will depend on continuous collaboration between governments, civil society organizations, and the private sector. Every effort counts in building a future where gender equality is not just an aspiration, but a tangible reality.
At Santana Globally We Care, we support these initiatives and continue to work towards ensuring that every woman can access the opportunities they deserve. Together, we can transform the narrative and create a more equitable and just world for all.
