At a recent seminar on SMME funding for women-led enterprises, hosted by the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), Cllr Margaret Arnolds, MMC for Finance in the City of Johannesburg, called for urgent action to dismantle systemic barriers such as spatial injustice. The event, attended by prominent figures like Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition Parks Tau, and Speaker of Council Cllr Nobuhle Mthembu, focused on the role of women in driving economic growth.

Arnolds stressed the importance of collaboration between government and the private sector, stating, “No woman succeeds in isolation, and no movement for women’s empowerment can succeed without partnerships.” She emphasized that fostering strategic alliances was key to advancing women’s roles in business and entrepreneurship.

Addressing deep-rooted structural imbalances, Arnolds advocated for policy reforms aimed at improving access to education, training, and mentorship for young women. She highlighted the need for spatial integration and re-examining the labour market to address income inequality. “Empowering women is not just a moral imperative but an economic necessity,” Arnolds said, linking the empowerment of women to broader social and economic progress.

The presence of high-level stakeholders, including Minister Tau, underscored the national significance of these discussions. As the seminar concluded, Arnolds reiterated the need for continued focus on women’s empowerment, urging all sectors to work together to create an inclusive economy where women can thrive.

Written by Vusi Gumbi
16/09/2024

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