In South Africa, there are over 2.4 million women employed in the community services industry, approximately 1.56 million women in the trade sector and approximately 1.3 million women in the financial industry. As businesses mature, the gap between male and female entrepreneurs widens, with nearly twice as many businesses founded by men (7.9%) and 4.1% by women. This shows that it is more difficult for women to maintain a business than it is to start one. One.
Although women make up half of the world's population, statistics show that fewer women than men are engaged in entrepreneurial activities. Global research consistently shows that women's empowerment fosters sustainable development. When women have equal access to economic opportunities, they not only advance themselves, but also contribute significantly to their families, communities, and national economies. The multiplier effect of investing in women has ripple benefits across sectors, from education and health to community development and poverty alleviation.
The Tshwane Women in Business Awards (TWIBA) was held on 26 November at the Ditsong Cultural History Museum in Tshwane, celebrating women who refuse to be marginalized and lead, innovate and uplift others. Ta. The theme of this year's awards is 'Tshwane Women Pioneers Advocate for Diversity and Inclusion for Economic Liberation', with TEDA recognizing, honoring and celebrating the significant contributions Tshwane women business leaders make to the city's economy. It was a topic worth doing.
“These awards celebrate outstanding women who are overcoming challenges and breaking barriers. They are innovators who turn waste into reusable products, farmers feed their communities, and Technology entrepreneurs are designing apps that solve everyday problems and manufacturers are driving local production,” said Tshwane City Executive Mayor Dr Nasifi Moya.
More than just a celebration of outstanding achievements, the event reflects TEDA's joint commitment to ensuring women have a central place in the economic development of Tshwane and South Africa, and is a reflection of women's innovation and resilience. recognized and emphasized the important contribution of women to our economy. , and leadership.
Also speaking at the event, Denmark's Ambassador to South Africa Elsebeth Søndergaard Krone said that August is Women's Month, and South Africa is celebrating a 16-day campaign against gender-based violence starting at the end of November. She admitted that she is good at celebrating women. Entering December.
However, Krone points out that “the numbers for women in senior positions are 33% globally, 38% in Denmark and 42% in South Africa.” But there is still much work to be done and we need to aim for 50% women in leadership positions. ”
Mr Tshwane's Local Economic Development (LED) strategy prioritizes sectors such as the green economy, automobiles and parts, and agribusiness, where women's participation is actively promoted. These sectors have immense potential to create jobs, foster innovation and foster localization, which are central objectives of our Vision 2030.
Sadly, women in business often face structural and systemic barriers, from unequal access to capital and markets to social norms that limit opportunities. For many women entrepreneurs, these challenges are compounded by the realities of gender-based violence, unequal burdens of care responsibilities, and lack of access to networks and mentorship structures.
“Addressing these challenges is a responsibility shared by government, the private sector and civil society, and one that the City of Tshwane wholeheartedly embraces,” Dr Moya agreed, adding that “Tshwane’s Integrated Development Plan (IDP) , which will serve as a roadmap to achieving this.” Our vision emphasizes economic empowerment as the cornerstone of our development agenda. ”
One of the core pillars of Tshwane's approach to economic development is empowering women entrepreneurs through targeted programs and partnerships. For example, our collaboration with TEDA has enabled the creation of platforms like these awards that provide not only recognition but also networking opportunities for women-led businesses.
The Tshwane Agripark program is another initiative that witnesses the transformative power of women. The program supports more than 700 smallholder farmers, many of them women, to address food security while promoting local economic resilience. We empower women in agribusiness to grow their businesses and expand their impact by providing training, market access, and infrastructure.
In the green economy, Tshwane is actively promoting renewable energy projects and waste management initiatives where women are at the forefront. Localization of Sustainable Development Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) has seen the emergence of women-led start-ups focused on green technologies, empowering women to build a sustainable future. It has been proven that they play an important role.
Tshwane is also increasing opportunities for women through public procurement policies that prioritize women-owned businesses. By giving women entrepreneurs equal access to city bids and contracts, they can invest in businesses that not only diversify supply chains but also reinvest in their communities.
The challenges facing women entrepreneurs are too vast and complex for any single organization to address. This is why the City of Tshwane is a strong advocate of public-private partnerships as a means of increasing impact. Through collaboration with the private sector, academic institutions, and NGOs, we unlock resources, expertise, and networks that benefit women in business.
Speaking to the winners, runners-up, and nominees, Dr. Moya said, “Your stories challenge us to do more, grow more, and create an environment in which the next generation of women leaders can thrive.” I encourage them to do so.”
“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 continued.
Looking to the future, she said Tshwane's aspirations to envision a Tshwane where women-led businesses are the rule rather than the exception are ambitious. And a place where we can foster an ecosystem where women are not only participants, but leaders in key sectors, from technology and manufacturing to agriculture and finance.
The 2024 winners and runners-up are:
Winners in award categories: Manufacturing Winner: Kool Krew Runner-up: MI Desk Global Agro-Processing Winner: Elishiva Trading Runner-up: PKL Neo Automotive Winner: MH Automotive Engineering Energy Winner: Hakem Energies Runner-up: Zizwe Fuels Special Award (in recognition of outstanding potential and exceptional promise, based on entries to the award) Bongi Bees Moipone Aesthetics
“As we celebrate the achievements of our award winners, nominees and honorees, let us remember that their success is our success. Their dreams, realized through hard work and determination, will help us grow stronger and better. May your story inspire us all to rise to the challenge of creating an inclusive, just and prosperous Tshwane,” said Dr Moya.
She added: “We must continue to create opportunities for women to lead, innovate and transform our economy so that all women in Tshwane have the resources, networks and confidence to pursue their ambitions.” .
TEDA CEO Lardo Stander concluded the event with heartfelt words of gratitude that resonated with the participants. “It was incredibly moving to see such remarkable participants in today’s event celebrating the outstanding contributions made in our nation’s capital.The level of commitment and enthusiasm shown by all participants was business It truly reflects the vibrant spirit of our community. We would like to express our deepest gratitude to the entire TEDA team for their tireless dedication and attention to detail in making this event possible. 's commitment to excellence is a testament to our organization's values and mission. Together, we are building something extraordinary, and this is just the beginning of even greater achievements to come. I am convinced,” he said.
For more information about the Tshwane Women in Business Awards (TWIBA), please visit the TEDA website: https://teda.org.za/twiba/
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