​Qaqambile Mdledle
The economic inclusion of women and girls is critical to their independence and self-reliance and necessary to decrease their vulnerability to violence.
This inclusion will create inclusive, open and prosperous societies.

“Women need to be productive. They need to be financially happier. There is also the need for them to have confidence in themselves. With these they can independently address critical challenges facing our society,” MEC for Community Faith Mazibuko said. 

The MEC was speaking at the Thuthukane Women Empowerment Session which was held at Kopanong Hotel and Conference Centre on Wednesday. This is part of the Women’s Month activities.

MEC Mazibuko stressed the need to end unemployment, especially among women.
Currently many women still find themselves excluded from the formal economy and in low paying jobs and economic sectors. While those who are lucky enough to find a job never make it to the middle and top management echelons, particularly in the private sector.” 

To address this, the Gauteng government has empowered 50 emerging black firms as contractors and sub-contractors, 50% of these are women-owned businesses.
The province is using infrastructure projects, to support township enterprises as well as women-owned businesses.

It has set aside 40% of its public procurement spent  for women-owned businesses. 
Through Gauteng Treasury, government has offered supplier development training targeted at women-owned suppliers to empower and assist them in running their businesses efficiently.

“We must do more to encourage women to become entrepreneurs and to start their businesses. Women entrepreneurs are known to use profits from their business to improve their families’ living conditions and lifestyles. More critically they also invest in their children's education which ensures that the cycle of poverty is broken,” MEC added.