‘Gender inequality still an issue for women entrepreneurs’

During Women’s Month, South Africa celebrates the achievements of women in the country and the critical role they play in our society.

The country also celebrates the implication of the 1956 Women’s March as well as the importance of women’s economic empowerment to the bigger effort to achieve gender equality.

However, Women’s Month serves as a great reminder of the continuing battle for gender equality and the crucial need to discourse gender gaps in different spheres, particularly in the labour market.

The recent statistics by Stats SA show that despite major advancement in women’s rights, many still face struggles such as higher unemployment rates, underemployment, and obstructions to career progression compared to men.

The inequalities not only affect women’s economic freedom but also curbs overall economic growth.

Social media content creator and Afrocurl Chief Executive Officer, Kayla Kim Meiring says gender biases is one of many challenges faced by women entrepreneurs of the 21^st century.

Meiring says that a sensible government can address this issue by promoting gender equality with the labour market.

“Equality in the workplace. Equal pay in the workplace. Anti-discrimination policies. Development and mentorship programs for female entrepreneurs. Also achieving better political representation within government too is important.”

See statistics on the line chart below

Graphic by Sibusiso Biyela