– In South Africa, there are over 2.4 million women working in the community social services sector, nearly 1.56 million in the trade industry, and around 1.3 million in the finance sector.
– As businesses grow, the gender gap becomes more pronounced, with male entrepreneurs having almost twice the number of established businesses (7.9%) compared to female entrepreneurs (4.1%).
– This disparity highlights the greater challenges women face in sustaining their businesses, rather than just starting them.
Women represent half of the global population, yet studies consistently show they are less involved in entrepreneurial activities compared to men. However, empowering women has proven to drive sustainable development. When women have equal access to economic opportunities, they not only uplift themselves but also make significant contributions to their families, communities, and national economies. Investing in women creates a ripple effect, benefiting sectors like education, healthcare, community development, and poverty alleviation.
On November 26, the Tshwane Women in Business Awards (TWIBA) were held at the Ditsong Museum of Cultural History in Tshwane, celebrating women who refuse to be marginalized—those who lead, innovate, and uplift others. This year’s theme, “Advocating Diversity and Inclusion of Tshwane Women Trailblazers for Economic Emancipation,” highlighted the remarkable contributions of female business owners in Tshwane to the city’s economy.
“These awards recognize the extraordinary women who are breaking barriers and driving change. They are the innovators turning waste into reusable products, the farmers feeding our communities, the tech entrepreneurs solving everyday problems, and the manufacturers boosting local production,” said Dr. Nasiphi Moya, Executive Mayor of Tshwane.
The event was not only a celebration of individual achievements but also a reflection of Tshwane Economic Development Agency’s (TEDA) commitment to ensuring women play a central role in Tshwane’s and South Africa’s economic development. The awards showcased the innovation, resilience, and leadership of women entrepreneurs, all of whom are crucial to shaping a more inclusive and thriving economy.
Ambassador Elsebeth Sondergaard Krone of Denmark, also speaking at the event, noted that while South Africa does an excellent job of celebrating women—highlighted by Women’s Month in August and the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence—there’s still work to be done. “Globally, women occupy 33% of senior positions. In Denmark, it’s 38%, and in South Africa, it’s 42%. But the goal should be to reach 50% representation in leadership,” she emphasized.
Tshwane’s Local Economic Development (LED) Strategy focuses on key sectors like the Green Economy, Automotive and Components, and Agribusiness, where women’s participation is actively promoted. These sectors offer great potential to create jobs, foster innovation, and drive localization—goals that align with Tshwane’s Vision 2030.
Despite the progress, women in business still face numerous barriers, such as unequal access to funding, markets, and networks, as well as societal norms that limit their opportunities. Many women entrepreneurs also deal with gender-based violence and disproportionate care responsibilities, further compounding these challenges.
“Addressing these challenges requires a collective effort from government, private sector, and civil society,” Dr. Moya said, adding that Tshwane’s Integrated Development Plan (IDP) emphasizes economic empowerment as a key part of the city’s development agenda.
Tshwane is actively empowering women entrepreneurs through targeted programs and partnerships. One example is TEDA’s support for platforms like the TWIBA awards, which not only provide recognition but also networking opportunities for women-led businesses.
The Tshwane Agri-Parks Programme stands out as another successful initiative. Supporting over 700 small-scale farmers, many of whom are women, this program strengthens food security and promotes local economic resilience. By offering training, market access, and infrastructure, the program enables women in agribusiness to scale their operations.
In the Green Economy, Tshwane is leading renewable energy and waste management projects, with women playing a vital role. These efforts align with Sustainable Development Goal 9, focusing on industry, innovation, and infrastructure, and have resulted in the rise of women-led startups in green technologies.
Tshwane is also making strides through public procurement policies that prioritize women-owned businesses. By ensuring equitable access to city tenders, the city not only diversifies its supply chain but also invests in companies that reinvest in their communities.
The challenges faced by women entrepreneurs are complex, and addressing them requires collaboration across various sectors. Tshwane strongly advocates for public-private partnerships to amplify the impact of its initiatives. Through collaborations with the private sector, academia, and NGOs, Tshwane is unlocking resources, expertise, and networks that benefit women in business.
Addressing the winners, runners-up, and nominees, Dr. Moya said, “Your stories inspire us to do more, to be more, and to create an environment where the next generation of women leaders can thrive.”
“By recognizing your contributions, we reaffirm our commitment to making Tshwane a city where women entrepreneurs can dream without limits and achieve without obstacles,” she concluded.
Looking ahead, Tshwane envisions a future where women-led businesses are the norm, not the exception, and where women are leaders in key sectors such as technology, manufacturing, agriculture, and finance.
