Delhi, 13 March (H.S.): Union Minister of State for Women and Child Development Savitri Thakur declared at the 70th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) that partnerships like the India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Fund will fortify inclusive policymaking and unlock new frontiers in women's empowerment.

Held at UN Headquarters in New York from March 9-12 under the theme Women-led development and South-South cooperation, Thakur highlighted IBSA's triumphs and India's steadfast commitment during Thursday's closing plenary.

Launched by IBSA in 2004, the fund exemplifies South-South collaboration, backing over 50 development projects in nearly 40 countries—prioritizing women-led initiatives that advance India's vision worldwide.

Thakur spotlighted two key efforts: Liberia's gender equality drive strengthening women's legislative roles, and Jordan's project recycling wastewater to establish 60 greenhouses and 50 women-led micro-enterprises, training 150 women.

Showcasing national strides in education, skilling, and digital inclusion, she noted the 2025-26 Union Budget's ₹5.01 lakh crore (~$60 billion) for gender equality—a 8%+ year-on-year surge.Thakur held bilateral talks with South Africa's Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga on poverty and hunger eradication strategies.

Attendees included Brazil's Deputy Minister Yutalia Barbossa, Gambia's Minister Fatu Kinteh, and India's UN Permanent Representative Par ambassador P. Harish.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar