Document: Towards an Enabling Environment for Women Economic Empowerment in South Africa - A Status Quo Report

This report is the final output of a detailed review of the context for gender and women’s economic empowerment in South Africa. It is preceded by two reports that present a situational analysis of women’s economic empowerment through enterprise development in South Africa. This report provides a summary and synthesis of the main findings of the research and presents a series of recommendations designed to inform the revision of the 2006, Draft Strategic Framework on Gender and Women’s Economic Empowerment of the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti). It is anticipated that the revised framework will ensure that businesswomen in South Africa are able to expand opportunities to participate in, benefit from, and contribute to economic growth.

The research project has employed a mixed method approach. In the first instance, the research team reviewed secondary data on women’s economic empowerment and enterprise development, and mapped a wide range of policies, programmes and institutions. The results of this examination are presented in the first volume of the Situational Analysis Report.

The second volume of the situational analysis builds on the assessment of secondary data, and it draws upon the issues raised through consultations with key organisations and individuals in all provinces. Over 200 women participated in the process. This involved direct consultations and a series of consultation workshops, or focus groups, designed to allow participants the opportunity to raise the issues they believe are relevant to the promotion of women’s economic empowerment through enterprise development.

Based on the findings of the research, 20 recommendations are presented for consideration by the dti in the future revision of the Strategic Framework on Gender and Women’s Economic Empowerment.