Konstantin Kosachev: “The Women 20 has become an effective channel of communication between the world’s leaders and women”

October 14, 2023 г.

The Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council spoke on gender equality at a G20 parliamentary forum session in New Delhi.

Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council Konstantin Kosachev took part in a plenary session, Mainstreaming Gender Equality – From Women’s Empowerment to Women-Led Development, which was held during the 9^th G20 Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit (P20) in India.

Konstantin Kosachev pointed out that in 2023, the empowerment of women had been included among the G20’s priorities for the first time. According to him, it is of principled importance that proposals by the Women 20 (W20) are taken into account by the Group of 20. “The Women 20 has become an effective channel of communication between the world’s leaders and women and its consistent efforts have helped it advance to a new level,” he said. “This year is the first time that the empowerment of women has been included in the G20’s priorities”.

Konstantin Kosachev noted that the Russian Constitution guaranteed equal rights for all. Also, the National Action Strategy for Women will be carried out until 2030 and its objectives include getting women engaged in work in high technology and a digital economy.

He also reminded the participants in the discussion that the Federation Council led the effort to hold the Eurasian Women’s Forum every three years. “The forum’s portfolio comprises about 20 projects, many of which seek to support women in running businesses or building careers in various areas, including pharmaceutics, mining, the textile industry, tourism and high technology,” Konstantin Kosachev said.

He also noted that in 2021 a proposal was put forward at the 3^rd Eurasian Women’s Forum to create a permanent coordination mechanism for the W20 and it was thanks to Indian members of parliament that cooperation on this platform had already got off the ground.

In conclusion, Konstantin Kosachev invited women members of parliament in their countries to attend the 4^th Eurasian Women’s Forum, which is scheduled to take place in St Petersburg on 18–20 September 2024.