FEATURE
Writer: More Matshediso
Women’s economic inclusion prioritised
S
outh Africa is on a journey to reshape its economy by
in transforming society by bridging the material divides between different races, genders and social classes; it has not fundamentally transformed patterns of ownership, control and benefit in the economy. “For as long as women shoulder the greatest burden of poverty, are more likely to be unem-
for women-owned busi-
development and play a
ployed, are paid less than
nesses.
significant role in promot-
their male counterparts
ing gender equality and
and struggle to start
“The initiative seeks to
exploring opportunities
connect and inspire inno-
poverty reduction,” added
businesses; for as long
that can potentially change
vation, thought leadership
Mtoba.
as they face discrimina-
the lives and prospects of
and action, to transform
WECONA also aims to
tion in the workplace and
millions of women.
value chain eco-systems
build a long-term frame-
confront other challenges,
Recently, government,
as well as obtain a deep,
work for monitoring and a
our vision of an equal and
the private sector, civil so-
common understanding
measurement index.
just society will remain
ciety, women’s organisa-
and detailed articulation
tions and businesswomen
of sector-specific value-
will become an annual
joined forces to form the
chain eco-systems,” she
national programme that
empowerment of women
Women Economic As-
explained.
will include pre- and
is an integral part of
post-assembly activities.
government’s efforts to
sembly (WECONA). facilitate the participation
Economic participation
of women-owned busi-
WECONA’s aim is to
Mtoba said WECONA
“It is time that, as
elusive,” he stressed. The President said the
achieve inclusive growth,
women, who constitute
create jobs and expand
The intention is to help
52% of the population,
economic opportunities
nesses in the economy.
businesswomen identify
we play an equitable role
for all.
WECONA National
entry points and oppor-
in the human and social
“The unemployment
Convener and Co-chair-
tunities for sustainable
development of our own
rate among women is
person Futhi Mtoba said
economic participation.
country,” she added.
nearly 37%, compared
the assembly will activate,
“Preferential procure-
Speaking at the launch
with 32% among men. In
coordinate and monitor
ment can help small firms
of WECONA, President
2018, women’s average
government and private
achieve goals of equitable
Cyril Ramaphosa said
monthly earnings were
sector actions towards
distribution of resources,
although South Af-
76% of those of men.
preferential procurement
enable sustainable
rica has made strides
18
“These disparities are
Public Sector Manager • November 2021
