Chikunga calls for women to be placed at centre of planning, execution of G20 Summit
As South Africa prepares to welcome global leaders for the G20 summit, Chikunga said the event must reflect the country’s commitment to gender equality.
Sindisiwe Chikunga at a media briefing on 20 July 2023. Picture: Rejoice Ndlovu/Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga has called for women to be placed at the centre of the planning and execution of the upcoming G20 Summit.
Chikunga was speaking at the National Women’s Day commemoration in Tzaneen, Limpopo, over the weekend.
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As South Africa prepares to welcome global leaders for the G20 summit, Chikunga said the event must reflect the country’s commitment to gender equality.
Speaking at the National Women’s Day commemoration, Chikunga emphasised the need for greater economic empowerment for women, saying their contribution to the country’s economy is significant and should no longer be overlooked.
The minister also urged government departments and the private sector to prioritise women-owned businesses in G20-related procurement.
“I’m calling on every minister, every department, every sector leader present in this room, that when you procure for your G20 conferences, your decor, your catering, your translation services, the branded goods, the corporate goods, look no further. Look at the women of South Africa. This is produced by women of South Africa. This is produced and made by women of South Africa. They will just cost you R300 each.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa also addressed the event, acknowledging strides made in advancing gender equality, while highlighting the work that still needs to be done.