Unlocking the Power of Women-Owned SMMEs in South Africa
On 13–14 August 2025, the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa convened the first P20 Women’s Parliament of the Seventh Parliamentary Dispensation, a landmark event held in the NCOP Chamber in hybrid format. Under the theme:
“Accelerating Equality, Sustainability and Shared Growth: Correcting the Gender Re-distributional Bias of Growth and Development – through the Women’s Charter, the MTDP and the 2025 G20 Development Priorities”
This historic gathering brought together representatives from all arms of state, spheres of government, political parties, civil society, and institutions supporting constitutional democracy. It marked a pivotal moment in South Africa’s transformation journey, aligning national priorities with global commitments under the G20 Presidency.
A Platform for Inclusive Policy Dialogue
The P20 Women’s Parliament forms part of South Africa’s broader responsibility as host of the 11th P20 Speakers’ Summit, following its assumption of the G20 Presidency on 1 December 2024. With the world facing overlapping crises—from climate change to inequality and unemployment—South Africa has embraced an inclusive, cooperative approach to global leadership, calling for strengthened partnerships and people-centred policy responses.
Unlocking the Potential of Women Entrepreneurs
One of the key sessions focused on the topic:
“Unlocking the Potential of Women Entrepreneurs: Advancing Women’s Employment and Economic Justice through Budget-Driven Small Business Development.”
This discussion, grounded in the Women’s Charter, highlighted the urgent need to correct gender biases in economic participation. Despite women sustaining a significant portion of South Africa’s informal economy, they remain underrepresented in formal enterprise ownership and face structural barriers to growth.
