Empowering women through financial inclusion in South Africa

From May 6-9, 2025, Sun City, South Africa, hosted a pivotal gathering for women's economic empowerment. The G20 Conference on Advancing Women's Economic Empowerment through Inclusive Financial Systems, combined with the 2nd Empowerment of Women Working Group technical meeting, brought together global delegates, policymakers, financial experts, and gender equality advocates for four transformative days.

Operating under the theme "Advancing Inclusive Financial Systems," the conference addressed South Africa's G20 gender mainstreaming agenda through three interconnected priority areas. The care economy pillar recognizes both paid and unpaid care work as vital economic drivers, tackling structural inequalities that have long affected women's participation in the economy. Financial inclusion forms the second pillar, ensuring that underserved individuals and businesses can access affordable, appropriate financial services, a cornerstone of women's economic empowerment. The third pillar confronts gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), focusing on prevention and creating safe environments, since violence remains a significant barrier to women's economic participation.

Financial inclusion emerged as the central pillar during the conference, with the EntreprenHER programme serving as a powerful example of targeted impact. Funded by De Beers Group and implemented across Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa, this initiative demonstrates how inclusive financial systems can transform women's lives while strengthening entire communities. Among the exhibitors, Lebogang Machaba of L Beauty Clinic shared her entrepreneurial journey with thousands of conference participants. Her experience exemplifies the programme's transformative power: "I was able to network and market my business to a much wider audience than ever before," she explained. The panel discussion proved particularly meaningful, allowing her to share insights about her business and its purpose. "The platform had a significant impact on my business. Engaging with participants sparked meaningful conversations, and I am now considering expanding and exporting my products."

Closing the rural financial gap

EntreprenHER's success stems from its comprehensive approach to supporting women entrepreneurs in underserved communities. Programme analyst, Tshegofatso Diphukwane, explains their methodology: "The programme reaches into communities and identifies women leading micro-, small, and medium enterprises, offering them the support they need to grow."

The programme addresses multiple barriers simultaneously. Regular workshops cover essential business skills, including financial management, marketing, and planning, while mentorship programmes connect participants with industry professionals. Financial literacy training equips women to manage their finances effectively, addressing a critical knowledge gap. To tackle limited access to capital, EntreprenHER provides microloans and financial support, serving businesses often overlooked by traditional lenders. Market access initiatives, including trade fairs and product showcases, help women reach new customers and expand their businesses.

A model for economic growth

The conference highlighted a crucial truth: financial inclusion for women extends far beyond social responsibility; it is essential for economic growth. When women participate fully in financial systems, they expand their businesses, create jobs, and strengthen their communities. However, many women, particularly in rural or marginalized areas, continue facing barriers to accessing capital, credit, and digital resources. EntreprenHER's participation at the G20 conference was more than symbolic representation. It was a demonstration of how inclusive funding for women doesn't just uplift communities but also drives broader economic growth when grassroots initiatives receive recognition on global platforms. The programme also facilitated high-level discussions on financial inclusion, featuring EntreprenHER alumni and the Musina Local Municipality, sparking important dialogue about the need for collaboration between public and private sectors to create supportive environments for women entrepreneurs.

By combining training, mentorship, funding, and market exposure, EntreprenHER exemplifies how targeted interventions can empower rural women to overcome systemic barriers and drive economic growth in their communities. The G20 conference served as both a celebration of these achievements and a call to action for scaling such initiatives globally.