G20 Summit Highlights Women’s Call for Inclusive Growth

South Africa’s Leadership in Women’s Empowerment

Understanding the Women20 (W20)

The Women20, or W20, is an official engagement group within the G20 focused on promoting gender equality and women’s economic empowerment worldwide. Established in 2015 under Turkey’s G20 presidency, W20 brings together representatives from women’s organisations, entrepreneurs, academics, and civil society across G20 countries. Its core purpose is to develop consensus-based policy recommendations. The G20 incorporates these recommendations into its discussions and Leaders’ Declarations.

The W20 works annually under the host country’s presidency to champion issues such as women’s entrepreneurship and financial inclusion. They also address closing the gender digital divide and use a gender lens to address climate change. In 2025, W20 celebrates its 10th anniversary. This milestone highlights a decade of advocacy for sustainable socio-economic development that leaves no woman behind, especially amplifying voices from the Global South.

Central Theme: The Care Economy

A key focus of the summit was the “Care Economy” addressing both paid and unpaid care work dominated by women. This care work is essential but often undervalued economically and socially. Policymakers called for reforms that recognise, reduce, and redistribute unpaid care work. They also seek to provide support through fair wages, benefits, and legal protections for caregivers.

Tackling Structural Gender Inequalities

Sessions addressed widespread gender challenges including gender-based violence and femicide. The summit emphasised the need for gender-responsive budgeting and strengthened legal frameworks. Inclusion of men and boys in prevention efforts is essential. Closing gaps in labor force participation and reducing the gender pay gap remain urgent priorities. These steps are necessary to ensure women’s full participation in the economy.

Financial Inclusion and Entrepreneurship

Enhancing women’s access to financial services and entrepreneurship opportunities was prominently discussed. Initiatives such as the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (WE-FI) were highlighted for their role in supporting women-led businesses and fostering inclusive economic growth.

2025 G20 Summit: Aligning With Global Goals

South Africa’s priorities align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5. This goal targets gender equality and women’s empowerment. The summit reaffirmed commitment to the G20 Brisbane Goal 25×25. The aim is to reduce the gender gap in labour participation by 25% by 2025. Long-term targets extend to 2035.

W20 2025 Priority Thematic Areas

The Women20 (W20) South Africa presidency focuses on the following key areas to promote gender equality and women’s economic empowerment:

• Entrepreneurship and Financial Inclusion: Expanding women’s access to credit, capital, and business opportunities.
• The Care Economy: Recognising and supporting paid and unpaid care work, including fair wages and legal protections.
• Gender-Based Violence and Femicide: Strengthening laws, prevention efforts, and survivor support.
• Climate Justice and the Environment: Empowering women in climate action and sustainable development.
• Education, STEM and the Digital Divide: Closing gaps in technology access and promoting STEM education for women and girls.
• Health Equity for Women and Girls: Ensuring equal access to quality healthcare services.
• Women, Land and Agriculture: Supporting women’s rights and roles in land ownership and agricultural sectors.

These priority areas are developed through expert working groups and are central to developing actionable policy recommendations for G20 leaders to endorse, with a particular focus on amplifying voices from Africa and the Global South

Innovations in Technology and Education

The summit highlighted the critical importance of digital inclusion and STEM education for women and girls. Expanding access to technology and scholarships in high-growth fields is essential. This is necessary to bridge gender divides in emerging sectors and to ensure equal opportunities.

Commitment to Global Cooperation

The 2025 G20 Summit reinforced collective responsibility to mainstream gender equality across economic and social policies worldwide. South Africa advocates for evidence-based policy-making and accountability mechanisms such as the proposed Global AI and Gender Equality Index. Collaboration among member states is needed to drive measurable change.

Addressing Gender-Based Violence

Significant emphasis was placed on combating gender based violence, including technology facilitated abuse. The summit called for integrated approaches, legal reforms, survivor support services, and the engagement of all segments of society. These efforts aim to create safer environments for women and girls.

Women’s Role in Climate Justice

Recognising the links between gender and climate issues, the summit promoted women’s increased participation in climate talks and investments. Empowering women is vital for achieving sustainable environmental outcomes and resilient economies.

The Road to 2035

The G20 set ambitious goals to reduce gender gaps in employment, pay, and unpaid care work by 35% by 2035. The summit reaffirmed the commitment to inclusive, sustainable economic growth that leaves no woman behind.