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Abstract

This policy brief calls for comprehensive reforms of South Africa’s financial systems to broaden women’s access to capital. Women’s economic empowerment is critical to inclusive and sustainable development in Africa. Despite ongoing global commitments to gender equality, systemic financial exclusion continues to marginalise women—particularly in South Africa—thereby impeding their full economic participation. Microfinance has emerged as a pivotal strategy for fostering financial inclusion among women, especially those in rural and economically disadvantaged urban areas. International models, such as the Grameen Bank, have illustrated that women from low-income backgrounds often exhibit higher loan repayment rates than their male counterparts. Institutions specifically designed to serve women frequently operate as financial intermediaries and as platforms for socio-political empowerment, facilitating investment in children’s education, encouraging civic engagement, and promoting the assertion of women’s rights. Inclusive development models that engage men as allies—such as the Association of Dalit Women’s Advancement of Nepal (ADWAN)—underscore the importance of holistic, community-based approaches to empowerment. As the global community marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action, policymakers must prioritise transnational collaboration and adapt proven international frameworks to align with Africa’s diverse socio-economic and cultural realities. Such reforms should include addressing regulatory barriers, enhancing digital financial inclusion, promoting gender-responsive investments, and fostering international partnerships—mainly through South Africa’s leadership in the G20. The G20 presidency presents a strategic opportunity for South Africa to champion gender-equitable financial mechanisms and catalyse transformative change across the continent.

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