Women’s economic empowerment and inclusive financial systems are in the spotlight this week as South Africa hosts the G20 Financial Inclusion and Women Empowerment Conference 2025 at Sun City from 6 to 9 May.
Organised under South Africa’s G20 Presidency, the high-level event is co-hosted by the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) and brings together two critical platforms: the second Empowerment of Women Working Group (EWWG) and the annual Financial Inclusion Conference.
The conference builds on the momentum of Brazil’s 2024 summit and seeks to shape future G20 policy through a new Guidelines Framework for Mainstreaming Women’s Priorities.
This framework aims to embed women’s financial inclusion into global economic reform agendas and influence international development priorities.
Aligned with G20 Priority 2: Promoting the Financial Inclusion of and for Women, the gathering also supports broader initiatives such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the African Union Agenda 2063, and South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP) 2030.
“This week’s discussions will reaffirm South Africa’s commitment to advancing women’s empowerment and gender equality while promoting the exchange of global best practices,” the DWYPD said in a statement.
Key themes and high-level participation
The event convenes an influential mix of policymakers, academics, entrepreneurs, and youth leaders from G20 member states and beyond. Key focus areas include:
- The care economy and the value of paid and unpaid care work
- Enhancing women’s access to inclusive financial services
- Tackling gender-based violence and femicide
These themes reflect ongoing challenges and opportunities in achieving SDG 5, which seeks to eliminate discrimination and ensure full and equal participation for women and girls globally.
Academic track led by Tshwane University of Technology
A standout feature of this year’s conference is the Academic Track, spearheaded by Tshwane University of Technology’s Centre for Entrepreneurship Development.
It is designed to bridge research and policy, driving evidence-based strategies for financial inclusion.
Dr Patrick Ebewo, Co-Chairperson of the G20 Conference and Director at TUT, highlighted the need to dismantle systemic barriers.
“This conference offers a unique opportunity for policymakers, academics, and advocates to develop practical strategies for reshaping financial ecosystems and advancing economic justice for women,” Dr Ebewo said.
The Academic Track’s key objectives include:
- Generating evidence-based solutions for women’s financial inclusion
- Integrating research into policy frameworks
- Encouraging multidisciplinary partnerships
- Applying regional and global perspectives
- Supporting G20 EWWG goals with measurable academic outcomes
Looking ahead
As the world marks 10 years since the launch of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the DWYPD emphasised the urgency of accelerating progress on women’s empowerment.
“With only five years left to meet the 2030 targets, South Africa’s G20 Presidency is championing bold action to advance SDG 5 and ensure that no woman or girl is left behind,” the department concluded.
How closely are you following the build-up to the G20 summit later this year in South Africa?
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