South Africa's Minister for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, is doubling down on gender equality as a non-negotiable pillar of progress. After attending the Global Leaders' Meeting on Women in Beijing, she told CGTN that empowerment starts with leveling the playing field—think education, tech access, and cold, hard economic opportunities. 💪📚
While gender equality is already enshrined in South Africa's constitution, Chikunga stressed that real change requires action. Enter the country's new Public Procurement Act, which mandates that 40% of government contracts go to women-owned businesses. 🚀 'This isn't just about fairness—it's about fueling sustainable growth,' she said.
Marking 30 years since the Beijing Declaration on women's rights, Chikunga also gave a shoutout to China's role in advancing gender innovation. Under the China–South Africa Strategic Cooperation Framework, both nations are teaming up on digital transformation, vocational training, and women-led startups. 🤝 'Collaboration is key to turning policies into power,' she added.
