Skukuza: As the G20 Technical Meetings continue in South Africa, a powerful voice is emerging from within the country’s leadership, calling for bolder and more targeted investments in women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
According to South African Government News Agency, Advocate Joyce Mikateko Maluleke, the Chairperson of the G20 Empowerment Women Working Group (EWWG) and Director-General of the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, emphasized that South Africa is drawing critical lessons from global partners to address urgent challenges. The Third Technical Meeting of the G20 EWWG is taking place at the Skukuza Conference Centre in the Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga.
Maluleke outlined the country’s three priorities: valuing the care economy, unlocking financial inclusion for women, and eradicating gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). She highlighted the crisis of GBVF as a major concern, noting the need to learn from other countries’ prevention strategies, including regulating access to social media and implementing surveillance technologies.
Maluleke also stressed the importance of strong family support structures as a key prevention measure. On financial inclusion, she pointed to successful international models that empower women, such as Germany’s investment in vocational training and technical fields.
The often-overlooked economic force of care work was another focus, with Maluleke urging investment in systems that balance work and life commitments. She cited UN Women’s stance that preventing gender-based violence is cost-effective compared to the expenses incurred from its consequences.
As deliberations progress, South Africa is preparing for the signing of a declaration addressing care work, financial inclusion, and GBVF. Maluleke highlighted the goal of securing tangible outcomes from the G20 engagement and mentioned the launch of a legacy project, including a financial facility on care work by the World Bank.
Building consensus among the 21 G20 countries, especially after the African Union’s inclusion, remains a challenge. Maluleke spoke about another significant initiative: a conference on positive masculinity aimed at reframing masculinity as a force for protection and empowerment.
As negotiations and commitments progress, South Africa aims to drive meaningful change both locally and across the G20 platform by aligning global practices with local action, ensuring dignity, equity, and justice for all.