BRICS CCI launches a bold new global initiative titled WISE (Women in STEM and Entrepreneurship) to accelerate gender equity across scientific, technological, and business domains. Announced on July 7, 2025, the program aims to empower women from the BRICS nations — Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa — by providing them access to mentorship, investment, and policy advocacy.
This marks a significant leap in addressing gender disparities in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) and entrepreneurial ecosystems.
Why BRICS CCI Launches the WISE Initiative Now
The decision that BRICS CCI launches WISE now is driven by alarming statistics:
- Women represent only 28% of the global STEM workforce
- In BRICS countries, the rate is even lower — hovering around 22%
- Less than 15% of startups are led by women in these economies
- Gender gaps in innovation and funding access persist despite growing female literacy
To bridge this divide, BRICS CCI launches a multidimensional platform that focuses on empowerment, inclusion, and innovation.
Key Objectives: Why BRICS CCI Launches WISE
Here are the primary goals for which BRICS CCI launches the WISE Initiative:
- Increase Women Participation in STEM
- Encourage Women Entrepreneurship in Emerging Sectors
- Facilitate International Networking Among Women Professionals
- Host Global Innovation Summits for Women Leaders
- Bridge Investment Gaps for Female Founders
- Introduce Policy Advocacy for Gender Inclusive Reforms
- Develop Capacity Building and Mentorship Programs
These objectives are not merely symbolic — they are backed by an operational framework spanning five nations.
BRICS CCI Launches Strategic Partnerships Under WISE
As BRICS CCI launches this ambitious initiative, it has tied up with several global and regional stakeholders:
- UN Women India and UNDP South Africa for policy alignment
- NITI Aayog, DST India, and Startup India for execution in India
- Private sector partners including Infosys, Huawei, and Women Who Code
- Academic partners like IIT-Delhi, Peking University, and UFRJ Brazil
Together, they will facilitate pilot programs in sectors such as AI, biotechnology, clean energy, fintech, and robotics.
WISE Launch Highlights: BRICS CCI Launches With Impact
The event where BRICS CCI launches WISE was hosted in New Delhi, attended by over 300 delegates from BRICS nations. Key highlights include:
- Panel Discussions on Gender Gaps in STEM Careers
- Startup Showcases led by Women Founders from BRICS
- Policy Roundtable with representatives from education and innovation ministries
- WISE Fellowships announced for 100 women researchers and entrepreneurs
This impactful launch reinforces the seriousness with which BRICS CCI launches gender-focused reforms.
Focus on India: How BRICS CCI Launches WISE Locally
In India, where female participation in formal STEM jobs remains under 20%, BRICS CCI launches pilot mentorship and skilling programs in:
- Bengaluru, focusing on women in AI and robotics
- Hyderabad, targeting women-led biotech startups
- Mumbai, connecting women entrepreneurs with venture capital
- Tier 2 cities like Indore and Bhubaneswar for grassroots innovation hubs
These regional nodes will act as feeders to international programs across the BRICS network.
What Experts Say: BRICS CCI Launches Timely Change
Industry leaders have praised the move:

“The fact that BRICS CCI launches such a multi-country initiative sends a global signal that gender equity is not optional — it’s foundational.”
— Dr. Malini Rao, Chairperson, Women in Tech India
“This is not charity — this is economics. More women in STEM equals more innovation and GDP growth. We applaud that BRICS CCI launches this now.”
— Maria DaSilva, Tech Investor & Gender Advocate (Brazil)
The Vision Ahead: What BRICS CCI Launches By 2030
The WISE initiative, which BRICS CCI launches now, sets ambitious targets for 2030:
- Double female participation in STEM roles across BRICS
- Establish 50+ WISE Labs and innovation clusters
- Incubate 1,000+ women-led startups with cross-border funding
- Introduce gender-inclusive policy reforms in all BRICS nations
This isn’t just an initiative — it’s a movement.
Conclusion: Why It Matters That BRICS CCI Launches WISE
The fact that BRICS CCI launches a pan-nation initiative focused on women in STEM and entrepreneurship represents a vital step toward inclusive development. As the world shifts to a knowledge economy, such interventions are crucial to ensure no half of humanity is left behind. By integrating mentorship, capital, innovation, and diplomacy, WISE is more than a name — it’s a statement that equity is smart economics.
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