by Phumla Mkize and Phaphama Tshisikhawe
While advances in technology make it possible for women to start businesses, drive innovation and access global markets – digital literacy, access to devices and data sources, as well as funding remain a barrier for many to access opportunities.
These were some of the challenges that brought together representatives from governments, academic institutions and civil society at a side event at the 69th UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) currently under way at the UN Headquarters in New York, in the US.
The Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) – that attends the CSW69 as part of the South African delegation led by the Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga – is represented by Dr Vathiswa Papu-Zamxaka, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Engagement.
The side event was held on 12 March 2025 by the Republic of Türkiye to highlight the role of women in digital entrepreneurship and to discuss policy recommendations to make opportunities in the digital economy more accessible to women.
Speaking at the gathering held under the theme, “Digital Trends: Women Entrepreneurs Shaping the Future of the Economy”, Dr Papu-Zamxaka said policies that promote inclusion, ensure equitable resource access and safeguard women against technology-related gender-based violence, are required to support their participation in digital entrepreneurship.
“Businesses led by women attract under 3% of venture capital and many operate informally without proper support. This issue requires urgent attention,” she stated.
She mentioned that research shows that women’s participation in the economy boosts GDP, reduces poverty and stabilises societies.
“Women reinvest up to 90% of their income into families compared to 30%-40% of men. Empowering women entrepreneurs transforms lives and uplifts generations,” she said.
This year, the CSW69 is focusing on the progress made in the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, as well as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Beijing Declaration and the Platform for Action, adopted 30 years ago by 189 countries, is considered the global agenda for empowering girls and women and for achieving gender equality.
Dr Papu-Zamxaka said that, without targeted investments in digital literacy and cybersecurity, the opportunities in the digital economy will remain out of reach for many women.
She applauded the South African government for investing in establishment of centres of entrepreneurship in academic institutions across the country. She remarked that academic institutions such TUT through its Centre for Entrepreneurship Development (CED) play a crucial role in equipping women with digital skills, business acumen and market access to thrive in the digital economy.
She said TUT’s CED, through initiatives such as the Women Entrepreneurship Contractor Capacity Development Programme – conducted in collaboration with UN Women – have empowered women in male-dominated industries such as construction.
“As South Africa prepares for the 2025 G20 Summit, we are leading efforts in women’s financial inclusion and entrepreneurship. The Conference on Financial Inclusion and Women Empowerment, led by our government through the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities and co-hosted by TUT will address systemic financial and empowerment barriers women face,” she indicated.
The Conference on Financial Inclusion and Women Empowerment will be held on 6 and 7 May 2025 at Sun City, North-West Province, South Africa, under the theme “Advancing Financial Inclusion, Entrepreneurship and Gender Equity”.
Dr Papu-Zamxaka called on financial institutions, governments and the private sector to enhance capital access for women-led enterprises.
“Despite evidence of their resilience and social impact, women entrepreneurs are still underfunded,” she said.
“We must address policy gaps hindering women’s participation in high-growth industries. Gender-responsive procurement, protection against digital harassment, and frameworks supporting women’s asset ownership are essential for fostering sustainable entrepreneurship.”
The CSW69, started on 10 March 2025 and will end on 21 March 2025.
The 69th Commission on the Status of Women is in progress until 21 March 2025 in New York,
in the US. South Africa is represented by a delegation comprising government,
academia and civil society representatives, led by the Minister of Women, Youth and Persons
with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga. Credit: UN Women South Africa on X