New Delhi: Leaders of BRICS countries on Saturday asserted that they recognise women as leaders, decision-makers and drivers of economic growth and social transformation.In a declaration, the leaders also said after their meeting that they recognise the vital role of women in the peacebuilding process in accordance with the global Women, Peace and Security agenda."We affirm that women's participation in governance; their financial and digital inclusion; their capacity building, access to skill development and entrepreneurship opportunities, support to entrepreneurship, access to productive and social services and their crucial role in climate action, food security and nutrition, which are interconnected is key for sustainable development," the declaration said.Read all BRICS-related stories here"We also recognise the importance of policies that support women's full participation in economic life, including through appropriate care policies, in accordance with national circumstances," the leaders said.The leaders also said they look forward to the convening of the XII BRICS Parliamentary Forum in October 2026, including the Meeting of Women Parliamentarians and the Meeting of International Affairs Committee Chairpersons towards strengthening exchanges and cooperation among our parliaments."We emphasise the importance of these engagements as useful platforms to enhance mutual understanding and trust among nations, drive innovation and strengthen institutional resilience towards building an inclusive, sustainable and equitable future for all," leaders said.Also Read: BRICS backs diversified energy mix, says fossil fuels remain important for EMDEsThe declaration commends the role of the BRICS Women's Business Alliance (WBA) in promoting women's entrepreneurship, leadership and economic participation across BRICS countries."We welcome the recommendations in the Annual Report of the Women's Business Alliance that aims at improving access to finance, markets, technology, skills development and digital opportunities for women-led enterprises. We note the strong engagement achieved to date across BRICS countries in the WBA's 2026 programmes."We encourage BRICS National Chapters to continue strengthening intra-BRICS cooperation on women's economic participation, including through knowledge-sharing and joint initiatives," the declaration added.