How mentorship empowers women entrepreneurs

The Mentorship and Coaching of Women Entrepreneurs programme supports women entrepreneurs to build viable businesses, access procurement opportunities, and break systemic economic barriers. The programme has already benefited 300 women across six rural and peri-urban communities in the Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, and North West provinces of South Africa.

On 5 March 2025, as part of International Women’s Day commemorations, UN Women South Africa Multi-Country Office (SAMCO) held a national learning event to showcase the impact of its Mentorship and Coaching for Women Entrepreneurs programme. Policymakers, development partners, private sector representatives, academic institutions, and women entrepreneurs were present. Women entrepreneurs face unique barriers, such as gendered systemic challenges and limited access to funding, networks, and market opportunities. As a result, women entrepreneurs require adequate support to remove these barriers and build the capacity and skills needed to access business opportunities. “We know from our work at UN Women that providing hand-holding support and business coaching over time impacts women entrepreneurs' ability to bridge the gender gap,” said Dr Hazel Gooding, Deputy Country Representative at UN Women South Africa Multi-Country Office.

The Mentorship and Coaching of Women Entrepreneurs programme, funded by ABSA Group and aligned with Pillar 5 of the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (NSP GBVF), supports women entrepreneurs to build viable businesses, access procurement opportunities, and break systemic economic barriers. The programme has already benefited 300 women across six rural and peri-urban communities in the Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, and North West provinces of South Africa. It is grounded in the Presidential Women's Economic Empowerment Programme (WEEP) framework.

The event highlighted the critical role that structured, gender-responsive mentorship and coaching play in addressing the challenges that women entrepreneurs face in South Africa. “This programme focuses on building the capacity of emerging women entrepreneurs (from rural and peri-urban communities) to access information about procurement opportunities, while also strengthening their businesses in terms of compliance and registration, ensuring they are ready to do business with both government and the private sector," said Thembani Chamane, Gender Focal Person at the South African Presidency. Madoda Hlongwane, Head of Applied Measurements, Reporting and Advocacy at ABSA, reflected on the significant impact the programme has had on women entrepreneur participants, spanning business growth, improved financial capabilities, strengthened business acumen, and job creation. “It’s really about changing lives. When you see these entrepreneurs here today, each one has a powerful story to tell. It is a story of growth, of moving from a startup or aspiring entrepreneur to being fully recognised as a business owner, successfully running a private enterprise.”

“Being on the programme helped me build a strong network with fellow women in business and key stakeholders, which opened the door to various business opportunities,” said Simangele Mantengu, Founder of Salush Guest House and participant in the MACWE programme from KwaZulu-Natal. Simangele expressed her gratitude for the personalised support she received, sharing how her mentor guided her through one-on-one sessions, offering tailored advice specific to her business. This included helping her understand the importance of making her guest house stand out and setting up a business account to qualify for funding. These changes led to tangible results—Simangele secured a lucrative business opportunity, bringing her R80,000 per month over 3 years. She also received funding from the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA), which allowed her to upgrade her business with improvements like solar power, cupboards, and air conditioning.

Many women who participated in the programme have seen remarkable progress in their entrepreneurial journeys. Mabuti Ratshikane, owner of Raitz Village Lodge in North West, shared that through the support she received, she expanded her lodge from 10 to 19 rooms and secured a long-term contract to accommodate road construction workers. For Refiloe Maina, an entrepreneur in the Construction sector and a GBV survivor, the programme became a turning point. She was awarded a multi-year contract and regained her confidence and power, establishing three women-focused organisations that address social issues and support women in business. While challenges remain in reaching all women entrepreneurs, particularly in rural and underserved areas, the success stories from the programme offer a strong foundation to build on, with growing momentum to expand access to mentorship, funding, and supportive ecosystems for all women entrepreneurs.