The Family Affairs Council represented Saudi Arabia at the second meeting of the Women’s Empowerment Working Group within the G20 in Brazil. The meeting, held on May 13-14, focused on the theme of “Building a Fair and Sustainable Planet.” Dr. Maimoonah Khalil Al Khalil, Secretary-General of the Family Affairs Council, led the Saudi delegation and delivered the Kingdom’s speech at the event.
The Women’s Empowerment Working Group discussed priority topics across three sessions during the meeting. The first session focused on “Equality, Economic Independence, and the Care Economy,” while the second session tackled “Equality and Confronting Violence and Discrimination against Women.” The final session on the second day covered “Equality and Climate Justice.”
The Family Affairs Council plays a significant role in representing Saudi Arabia in the G20’s efforts on women’s empowerment. The Women’s Empowerment Working Group, initiated under the Indian presidency in 2023, officially began its activities under the Brazilian presidency in 2024. The participation of women’s representatives from former member states, including the Family Affairs Council, aligns with the “Private Sector Alliance to Empower and Support Women’s Economic Representation (EMPOWER) initiative.”
The EMPOWER initiative was launched following the guidance of G20 leaders at the 2019 Osaka Summit in Japan and held its inaugural meeting under Saudi chairmanship on April 9, 2020. It has now evolved from an initiative into a dedicated working group that focuses on empowering and supporting women’s economic representation. This initiative reflects the commitment of the G20 leaders to promote gender equality and empower women in economic and social spheres.
Dr. Maimoonah Khalil Al Khalil’s participation in the Women’s Empowerment Working Group signifies Saudi Arabia’s dedication to advancing women’s rights and promoting gender equality on the global stage. The Kingdom’s efforts within the G20 demonstrate a commitment to creating a fair and sustainable planet where all individuals, regardless of gender, have the opportunity to thrive and contribute to society.
Overall, the participation of the Family Affairs Council at the Women’s Empowerment Working Group meeting in Brazil highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment. By actively engaging in discussions and initiatives within the G20 framework, Saudi Arabia continues to advocate for the rights and opportunities of women on an international platform. Through collaborative efforts and partnerships, the Kingdom strives to create a more inclusive and equitable society for all its citizens.
