Pretoria: Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga has underscored the importance of forging stronger partnerships across government, business, and academia to accelerate women's economic empowerment. Delivering the keynote address at the 8th Annual Regenesys Women in Business and Leadership Conference, Chikunga emphasized that no single sector could achieve an inclusive economy on its own.
According to South African Government News Agency, the conference was held under the theme, "Building an Inclusive Economy - The Role of Government, Business and Academia," and brought together leaders from various sectors to explore practical solutions for advancing women's economic participation. Chikunga highlighted the necessity for government, business, and academia to work collaboratively, each serving as a pillar of a functional economy.
Chikunga stressed that these partnerships should create opportunities for women and vulnerable groups by investing in education, skills development, entrepreneurship, and access to finance. She advocated for public-private partnerships focused on human capital development to bridge financing gaps and enhance public service quality.
The Minister also warned that partnerships must adhere to principles of equity, transparency, accountability, and sustainability to ensure they benefit those most in need. She pointed out key sectors like early childhood development, technical and vocational education, healthcare, digital infrastructure, and innovative financing as areas where collaboration could drive growth.
Chikunga addressed Africa's youthful population, describing it as both an opportunity and a challenge. She warned that without substantial investment in young people's health, education, and wellbeing, the continent's demographic advantage could turn into a liability, leading to youth unemployment and social instability.
Focusing on women's financial inclusion, Chikunga identified urgent action areas such as increasing women's participation in economic decision-making, expanding access to financial resources, and recognizing the care economy's role in enabling women's economic participation. Proposed measures included specialized banking initiatives, expanded microcredit programs, gender-responsive financial technology, and public procurement opportunities for women-owned businesses.
During her address, coinciding with Women's Month and the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Women's March, Chikunga paid tribute to generations of women who fought against discrimination. She called on stakeholders to honor their legacy by translating commitments into measurable actions, emphasizing the need for concrete action with timelines and accountability to benefit future generations.
