Pretoria: As the Third Technical Meeting of the G20 Empowerment of Women Working Group (EWWG) draws to a close, Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Steve Letsike has called for G20 members to transform commitments into lasting action.
According to South African Government News Agency, the Deputy Minister applauded the depth of deliberations held over the past days and called for greater accountability to drive tangible progress in the global pursuit of gender equality. Letsike emphasized that the discussions have been a powerful space of shared purpose, recognizing that achieving gender equality requires not only commitment but also concrete action and accountability.
Framed around three interlinked priority areas-care economy, financial inclusion, and gender-based violence-the EWWG discussions brought attention to the complex and deeply rooted inequalities hindering the advancement of women and girls globally. The Deputy Minister highlighted the significance of care work, often overlooked despite being crucial to societies and economies, and stressed the importance of ensuring decent wages and equitable conditions.
On financial inclusion, Letsike welcomed the early outcomes under South Africa’s G20 Presidency, including a newly proposed action plan to increase access to financial tools and opportunities for women and girls. This plan aims to ensure systemic reform and policy innovation grounded in lived realities and rigorous evidence.
The meeting also addressed the global issue of gender-based violence and femicide, calling for decisive action through prevention, protection, and prosecution. Letsike stressed the need for survivor-centered policies and a culture of zero tolerance.
Policy briefs on the care economy and gender-based violence, along with global frameworks like the 5R and SIGI, are expected to guide G20 members in national policy development and implementation. Letsike reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to a G20 approach built on consensus and inclusive growth, noting that the knowledge products from this meeting will contribute to the legacy of the country’s Presidency.
Looking ahead, the Ministerial Declaration resulting from these engagements will be presented to the Ministers for adoption in October 2025. The gathering brought together senior government officials, G20 partners, civil society, academics, and international organizations, strengthening global momentum toward a more just and equitable world for women and girls.
Closed sessions focused on the global context of gender-based violence, emphasizing the need for private sector engagement and legislation to protect women. Discussions included criminalization of certain behaviors, creation of codes for daily access, and community-driven sustainability in health provisions. Speakers stressed the importance of international support, governance, and a comprehensive approach to effectively address gender-based violence.