The importance of empowering women in South Africa was discussed at the Women’s Professional Network gathering, where the theme of “Celebrating 30 Years of Democracy Towards Women’s Development” was emphasized. Women make up only 44% of the workforce, and a meager 27% hold managerial roles, despite comprising more than half of the population. Encouraging women to consider careers in STEM fields and providing mentorship and support initiatives can increase gender diversity in the workforce, leading to increased productivity, innovation, and enhanced decisionmaking. Excluding women from the economy leads to wage inequality, economic dependency, inherited poverty, and limited access to healthcare services.
South Africa’s Department of Water and Sanitation is taking a new approach to tackle water and sanitation challenges in the country. The plan includes community outreach programs, diversifying water sources, and enhancing access to water and sanitation services. The department is also collaborating with municipalities and the private sector to achieve its objectives and improve the standard of living for all South Africans. The strategy aims to address challenges such as water scarcity, inadequate access to water and sanitation services, and decaying municipal water and sanitation services.
Misha Abarder, an 11yearold girl, has shown incredible resilience and determination in pursuing her dreams of playing football. Despite facing discouragement and neglect from coaches and peers, she persevered and has been selected for the Western Province’s Schools Metro Central girls’ team. Her journey serves as a beacon of hope for other girls and is an embodiment of the shifting attitudes towards girls’ empowerment. Misha’s story ignites a spark of inspiration for every girl dreaming of success in a world that is gradually but steadily opening up to them.
The Power Play Women’s Cricket Tournament in Kleinvlei, Cape Town, is more than just a competitive sport. It promotes youth engagement, community development, and advancement of women’s sports, serving as an initiative aimed at empowering youths and fostering unity and teamwork. The tournament offers a beacon of hope for the young people of Kleinvlei, inspiring them to join, learn about the sport, and interact with their fellow community members. The tournament has become a muchawaited event in the local sports calendar, a testament to its success and its positive impact on the community.
International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate the remarkable achievements of women worldwide. This year’s theme, “Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress,” is a reminder that advancing women’s empowerment and achieving gender equality is crucial for societal advancement and economic prosperity. Pam Tshwete, the Deputy Minister of Human Settlements, is an advocate for women’s involvement in policies and regulations, empowerment programs, and establishing a Women in Human Settlements Task Team. Women in the human settlements delivery value chain plead for investment through a social compact to ensure the poor have access to adequate housing.
The 2024 Forbes Woman Africa Awards celebrated women’s achievements in various industries, coinciding with International Women’s Day celebrations and emphasizing sustained dedication to gender parity. Minister Maropene Ramokgopa highlighted the historical roots of gender equality in Africa, advocated for progress and protection against genderbased violence, and emphasized the necessity of women’s economic empowerment and education. The event was attended by esteemed personalities and was an evening of empowerment, with a focus on the need to sustain progress towards gender equality.
The Western Cape prepares for the Netball World Cup 2023, which will take place for the first time on African soil. Cape Town will be the exclusive host for all matches, reflecting the vitality of women’s empowerment and providing an economic boost for the region.
As the Vitality Netball World Cup draws closer, the City of Cape Town and the Netball World Cup 2023 Board unveiled the latest Netball World Cup 2023 legacy mural at the Lotus River Recreation Centre. This mural aims to raise awareness about Africa’s firstever Netball World Cup and celebrate important themes such as women’s empowerment, hope, and sports culture in Cape Town.