Financial Empowerment and Gender Equality: A Call to Action on National Women’s Day

As South Africa commemorated National Women’s Day on August 9, 2025, the focus on financial empowerment and gender equality took center stage.
This year’s theme, “Building Resilient Economies for All,” resonated across various platforms, emphasizing the need for socio-economic transformation that prioritizes women.
Key political leaders, including President Cyril Ramaphosa and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema, highlighted the ongoing challenges women face in achieving financial independence and equality.

Historical Context: The Significance of Women’s Day

National Women’s Day in South Africa is a significant occasion that marks the anniversary of the historic 1956 Women’s March.
On this day, thousands of women marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest against the pass laws that oppressed black South Africans.
This march was a pivotal moment in the struggle for gender equality and social justice, symbolizing the resilience and determination of women in the face of systemic oppression.

While substantial progress has been made since then, the journey toward true equality remains fraught with challenges.
Women in South Africa continue to face socio-economic hurdles, including wage disparities, limited access to financial resources, and underrepresentation in leadership positions.
The observations made by Ramaphosa and Malema during this year’s celebrations serve as a reminder that the fight for equality is ongoing and requires collective action.

President Cyril Ramaphosa: A Vision for Financial Empowerment

In his address, President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged the progress made since the 1956 Women’s March but stressed that more needs to be done to empower women financially.
He pointed out that while the government has introduced various policies, such as the Employment Equity Act, aimed at promoting gender equality, the implementation of these policies must be more robust.

Ramaphosa emphasized that women’s participation in the workforce is growing, and the government is committed to prioritizing procurement from female-owned businesses.
He noted that support for women includes skills training, entrepreneurial assistance, access to funding, and fostering multi-sectoral partnerships.
However, he reiterated that these efforts, while commendable, are not sufficient to achieve gender equality.

“This is progress. But it is not enough. We cannot rest until we have achieved gender equality throughout society,” Ramaphosa stated.

His call to action urged South Africans to recommit to building a future where men and women are equal, highlighting the importance of collaboration in achieving this goal.

Julius Malema: A Call for Male Support and Responsibility

At the EFF’s commemoration event, Julius Malema echoed the sentiments expressed by Ramaphosa, focusing on the socio-economic challenges women face, particularly domestic workers.
He underscored the necessity of valuing and supporting women, stating that financial empowerment is crucial for combating poverty and ensuring economic stability.

Malema’s remarks included a strong message directed at men, urging them to take responsibility for supporting women financially.
He stated, “We must protect them, we must respect them, we must provide for them. Any man who doesn’t give women money is an irresponsible man – women have to receive money, especially black women.”
This statement highlights the societal expectation for men to play a supportive role in the financial well-being of women, challenging traditional gender norms.

The Economic Landscape: Challenges and Opportunities for Women

Despite the progress made in recent years, women in South Africa still face significant economic challenges.
The gender pay gap remains a pressing issue, with women earning substantially less than their male counterparts for similar work.
Additionally, women are often concentrated in low-paying, informal jobs with limited benefits, making financial security elusive.

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these challenges, disproportionately impacting women who often bear the brunt of caregiving responsibilities and job losses.
As the country recovers, it is essential to prioritize policies that support women’s economic empowerment, including access to affordable childcare, flexible work arrangements, and targeted training programs.

The Role of Education and Skills Development

Education and skills development are critical components of financial empowerment.
For women to thrive in the workforce, they must have access to quality education and training that equips them with the skills needed in today’s job market.
Programs that focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields, entrepreneurship, and vocational training can help bridge the skills gap and open doors to better job opportunities.

Both Ramaphosa and Malema emphasized the importance of educational initiatives that empower women and girls.
Investing in education is not only a moral imperative but also an economic necessity.
When women are educated and empowered, they contribute to economic growth and development, benefiting society as a whole.

Building Supportive Networks and Mentorship

Creating supportive networks and mentorship opportunities is essential for fostering women’s economic empowerment.
Women often face unique challenges in the workplace, and having access to mentors who understand these challenges can make a significant difference.
Mentorship programs that connect aspiring female entrepreneurs and professionals with experienced leaders can provide invaluable guidance, support, and encouragement.

Moreover, community organizations and advocacy groups play a vital role in creating platforms for women to share their experiences, resources, and strategies for success.
These networks can help women navigate the complexities of the job market and provide a sense of solidarity and empowerment.

The Importance of Policy and Legislative Change

While individual efforts and community support are crucial, systemic change is necessary to achieve lasting gender equality.
This includes advocating for policies and legislation that address the root causes of gender inequality and promote women’s rights.
Government initiatives must focus on ensuring equal pay, enhancing workplace protections, and increasing access to resources for women entrepreneurs.

Both Ramaphosa and Malema’s calls for action highlight the need for a collaborative approach involving government, businesses, and civil society.
By working together, stakeholders can create an environment that fosters gender equality and empowers women economically.

The Role of the Private Sector

The private sector has a significant role to play in advancing gender equality and financial empowerment.
Businesses can implement policies that promote diversity and inclusion, ensuring that women are represented at all levels of decision-making.
Additionally, companies can adopt practices that support work-life balance, such as flexible working hours and parental leave, which benefit both men and women.

Furthermore, corporate social responsibility initiatives that focus on women’s empowerment can make a meaningful impact.
By investing in programs that support female entrepreneurs and promote skills development, businesses can contribute to building resilient economies for all.

Moving Forward: A Collective Responsibility

As South Africa reflects on National Women’s Day, it is essential to recognize that the journey toward gender equality and financial empowerment is a collective responsibility.
Everyone has a role to play, from government leaders and business executives to community members and individuals.
By working together, society can create a future where women are empowered to thrive economically and socially.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

The addresses by President Cyril Ramaphosa and Julius Malema during National Women’s Day serve as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality and financial empowerment in South Africa.
Their messages resonate with the need for continued action and commitment to building resilient economies for all.
As the nation moves forward, it is crucial to prioritize policies and initiatives that empower women, promote equality, and create opportunities for all.
Only through collective effort can South Africa achieve a future where gender equality is not just a goal but a reality.