Women of BRICS Unite for Change: Round Table Explores Inclusion, Innovation, and Leadership in the Global Economy.
At the II BRICS Forum on Traditional Values in Brasília the Round Table “Women’s Inclusion in the Global Economy: Networks, Innovation and Leadership”, brought together an exceptional group of women — parliamentarians, entrepreneurs, and social leaders — who are shaping the economic and social future of the BRICS nations.
The discussion was moderated by Monica Monteiro (Brazil), Global Chair of the WBA, who guided a thoughtful exchange of perspectives among participants:
The discussion was moderated by Monica Monteiro (Brazil), Global Chair of the WBA, who guided a thoughtful exchange of perspectives among participants:
- Deputy Soraya Santos (Brazil)
- Deputy Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster (South Africa)
- Maria Maryasova, Head of Committee, State Duma (Russia)
- Larisa Evans, social leader (France)
- Laura Oliveira, business leader (Brazil)
- Ana Cláudia Badra Cotait, business leader (Brazil)
- Hon. Deputy Elysée Ichwama, Member of the National Assembly of the DR Congo
Opening the session, Monica Monteiro emphasized the importance of women’s voices in shaping the future of the global economy, noting that networks and mentorship play a decisive role in empowering women to lead innovation across industries.
Deputy Soraya Santos (Brazil) highlighted the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in creating new opportunities for women. She called for public policies integrating AI to foster innovation, competitiveness, and female leadership, and suggested that Brazil could translate BRICS-level AI discussions into practical national actions benefiting women in technology.
Deputy Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster (South Africa) drew attention to the structural inequalities that persist in women’s access to the economy, stressing that women remain the face of poverty and are underrepresented in leadership and capital markets. She proposed the creation of Women’s Alliances under the BRICS Forum for Traditional Values, aimed at accelerating inclusion and supporting female entrepreneurship through joint BRICS cooperation.
Maria Maryasova (Russia) spoke about the power of social enterprises in building women’s confidence and enabling them to take risks, assume leadership, and expand to international markets. She emphasized that sharing the experience of Russian women entrepreneurs across BRICS can inspire and train others to launch impactful, sustainable projects.
From a cross-cultural perspective, Larisa Evans (France/Russia) discussed the importance of mentorship as a bridge between generations and cultures. She underlined how respect for diversity and cultural etiquette helps develop authentic global leaders and called for strengthening international mentorship networks for young women.
Ana Cláudia Badra Cotait (Brazil) shared her experience in building women’s business networks, showing how collective mobilization strengthens not only individual enterprises but also women’s strategic influence in the global economy. She proposed expanding national networks to connect with international BRICS platforms such as the WBA.
Meanwhile, Laura Oliveira (Brazil) shared an inspiring story of transformation — how her social project evolved into a sustainable business, creating employment and social inclusion. Her message to young entrepreneurs was clear: “Combine social impact with financial sustainability — that is the future of inclusive growth.”
Hon. Deputy Elysée Ichwama, Member of the National Assembly of the DR Congo,
shared a deeply personal perspective on the role of education and peace as foundations for sustainable progress. She highlighted that partnerships within BRICS can play a transformative role in the DRC’s efforts to expand access to education, foster women’s leadership, and strengthen cultural and social ties through shared development initiatives.
“Women’s leadership is about empathy, innovation, and the courage to transform,” concluded Monica Monteiro, summing up the spirit of the discussion. “Through dialogue and cooperation, we can build a fairer and more balanced world — together.”
The round table became one of the Forum’s most dynamic sessions, showcasing how shared values and collective vision can turn diversity into strength and tradition into progress — reaffirming that the future of the global economy is inclusive, innovative, and led by women.
shared a deeply personal perspective on the role of education and peace as foundations for sustainable progress. She highlighted that partnerships within BRICS can play a transformative role in the DRC’s efforts to expand access to education, foster women’s leadership, and strengthen cultural and social ties through shared development initiatives.
“Women’s leadership is about empathy, innovation, and the courage to transform,” concluded Monica Monteiro, summing up the spirit of the discussion. “Through dialogue and cooperation, we can build a fairer and more balanced world — together.”
The round table became one of the Forum’s most dynamic sessions, showcasing how shared values and collective vision can turn diversity into strength and tradition into progress — reaffirming that the future of the global economy is inclusive, innovative, and led by women.