Overview
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Women's Forum 2026 was held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on 26 June 2026. India presented its women-led development approach, highlighting 100 million women in Self-Help Groups and the Lakhpati Didi initiative. Union Minister Annpurna Devi addressed the forum through a video message.
A Global Platform for Women's Empowerment
Imagine a world where every woman has the opportunity to lead. Where women are not just participants but decision-makers. Where their voices shape policies and their contributions drive economies.
This is the vision behind the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Women's Forum. The forum brings together member countries to discuss women's leadership, gender equality, and women's participation in social and economic life.
The 2026 forum was held in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. It took place on 26 June 2026. The event was significant because Kyrgyzstan held the rotating chair of the SCO in 2026.
India participated actively. Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annpurna Devi addressed the forum through a video message. She presented India's approach to women-led development. She shared the country's success stories. She highlighted the government's commitment to women's empowerment.
What is the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation?
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is an intergovernmental grouping. It was founded in 2001. The organisation focuses on Eurasian cooperation.
Member Countries
The SCO has eight member countries:
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China
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India
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Kazakhstan
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Kyrgyzstan
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Pakistan
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Russia
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Tajikistan
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Uzbekistan
Areas of Cooperation
The SCO framework includes cooperation on several issues. These include social development, public welfare, and people-to-people exchanges. The organisation also addresses security, trade, and cultural cooperation.
SCO Development Strategy
The SCO Development Strategy until 2035 refers to cooperation on women's rights. It focuses on women's political, economic, and social status. This shows the organisation's commitment to gender equality.
India's Women-Led Development Approach
India has a unique approach to women's empowerment. It is called women-led development. This means women are not just beneficiaries of development. They are leaders and drivers of change.
Policy Framework
India presented women-led development as a policy approach. It is linked with women's safety, nutrition, and economic participation. The government has created institutions and programmes to support this vision.
Self-Help Groups
India has a network of 100 million women in more than 9 million Self-Help Groups. These groups are community-based collectives. They provide savings, credit, and livelihood support to women.
Self-Help Groups have transformed rural India. They have given women financial independence. They have created social networks. They have empowered women to make decisions.
Lakhpati Didi Initiative
The Lakhpati Didi initiative is a flagship programme. Under this initiative, more than 30 million women have reached an annual household income of at least ?1 lakh.
This is a remarkable achievement. It shows that women can earn a sustainable income. It demonstrates the power of economic empowerment. It creates a ripple effect in families and communities.
Key Indian Programmes
India has several programmes that support women's empowerment.
Mission Shakti
Mission Shakti is an umbrella scheme. It focuses on women's safety, security, and empowerment. The programme addresses multiple aspects of women's lives.
Mission Poshan 2.0
Mission Poshan 2.0 is a nutrition-related programme. It covers women, adolescent girls, and children. It provides integrated nutrition services. This ensures that women and children have access to proper nutrition.
Institutional Support
These programmes are linked with institutional support. They provide health services, livelihood opportunities, and social participation. They create an ecosystem where women can thrive.
SCO Cooperation on Women's Issues
The SCO framework includes cooperation on social development and public welfare. Women's forums under multilateral groupings are used for policy exchange.
Knowledge Sharing
Member countries share their experiences and best practices. They learn from each other. They adopt successful policies and programmes.
Collaboration
Countries collaborate on common challenges. They work together on education, livelihoods, health, and representation. This collective effort strengthens women's empowerment.
People-to-People Exchanges
The SCO promotes people-to-people exchanges. Women from different countries interact and learn from each other. This builds understanding and cooperation.
Why the Forum Matters
The SCO Women's Forum is important for several reasons.
Global Recognition
The forum provides global recognition to women's issues. It puts women's empowerment on the international agenda. It creates momentum for change.
Policy Exchange
Countries share their policies and programmes. They learn what works and what does not. This improves policy-making and implementation.
Networking
The forum creates networks among women leaders. They build relationships and alliances. They support each other in their work.
Commitment
The forum reaffirms the commitment of member countries to gender equality. It ensures that women's issues remain a priority.
India's Success Stories
India has several success stories in women's empowerment.
Economic Empowerment
Through Self-Help Groups and the Lakhpati Didi initiative, millions of women have achieved economic independence. They are earning income and supporting their families.
Social Empowerment
Women in Self-Help Groups have gained social status. They are respected in their communities. They participate in decision-making.
Political Participation
Women are increasingly participating in politics. They are becoming leaders at the local and national levels. This is changing the face of governance.
Health and Nutrition
Programmes like Mission Poshan 2.0 are improving women's health. They are reducing malnutrition. They are creating healthier communities.
The Way Forward
The SCO Women's Forum 2026 is a stepping stone. It builds on past achievements. It sets the stage for future action.
Continued Cooperation
Member countries will continue to cooperate on women's issues. They will share knowledge and best practices. They will support each other's efforts.
Strengthening Programmes
Countries will strengthen their programmes for women's empowerment. They will invest in education, health, and economic opportunities. They will create enabling environments.
Monitoring and Evaluation
Countries will monitor and evaluate their programmes. They will measure progress. They will identify areas for improvement.
Empowering Women
Ultimately, the goal is to empower women. To give them the tools and opportunities they need. To enable them to lead and thrive.
Conclusion
The SCO Women's Forum 2026 was a significant event. It brought together member countries to discuss women's empowerment. India presented its women-led development approach. It shared its success stories.
The forum highlighted the importance of women's leadership. It emphasized the need for gender equality. It called for women's participation in social and economic life.
India's commitment to women-led development is clear. Through Self-Help Groups, the Lakhpati Didi initiative, and programmes like Mission Shakti, India is empowering millions of women.
The journey continues. But the direction is clear. Women are leading the way.
Exam-Focused Cheat Sheet
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SCO Women's Forum 2026: Held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
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Date: 26 June 2026
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Host Country: Kyrgyzstan (SCO rotating chair 2026)