KRUGERSDORP – South Africa’s Minister of Human Settlements, Thembisile Simelane, issued a powerful call for urgent action to address the systemic inequalities affecting women and children across Africa during her keynote address at the Women20 (W20) Summit on Tuesday.
Speaking at the Vivari Hotel and Spa, Simelane highlighted the persistent challenges of poverty, gender-based violence, landlessness, and dispossession that continue to trap women in cycles of disadvantage, particularly in urban and rural communities.
On behalf of the South African government, Minister Simelane formally accepted the W20 declarations, which will inform the upcoming G20 Summit and the Social Impact Summit scheduled for next month in South Africa. The declarations will be submitted to the Department of International Relations, the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, and the Presidency for transmission to G20 leaders.
“The framework of the G20 social summit, and our reception of this declaration, reflect values we hold dear: dignity, solidarity, and a commitment to act beyond rhetoric,” Simelane stated. “Women and children bear the heaviest burden of poverty and landlessness. Even though women do not start wars, they are often on the frontlines of their consequences, facing restricted access to health, education, and essential resources. Our agenda must ensure that we leave no woman behind.”
Simelane emphasized that the Covid-19 pandemic exposed deep vulnerabilities, disproportionately affecting women and children, and called for comprehensive policies to protect and empower them in both social and economic spheres.
Adding her voice, internationally acclaimed singer and philanthropist Yvonne Chaka Chaka stressed the transformative power of education, health, and digital access in advancing social and economic equity for women and children.
“As a daughter of Africa, I have seen firsthand how empowering women strengthens entire communities,” Chaka Chaka said. “Women are architects of change. Inclusive education and health services unlock potential, drive innovation, and foster resilience. We must fight against digital exclusion and climate change, as these challenges intersect and reinforce one another. Our solutions must be rooted in empathy, unity, and collaboration.”
The W20 Summit, which ran from 12 to 14 October 2025, culminated in a communiqué that will inform global discussions on gender equity, social inclusion, and women’s empowerment. South Africa’s leadership at the summit underscores its commitment to fostering meaningful engagement and ensuring women’s voices are central in shaping policies at both the continental and global levels.
About The Author
