INCEPTION MEETING
20 May 2025, Cape Town
Over 100 global delegates will converge in Cape Town this week for the Women20 South Africa (W20SA)Inception Meeting, taking place from 21 to 22 May 2025 at Lagoon Beach Hotel & Spa under the theme“Women in Solidarity”. The W20 is the official G20 engagement group dedicated to gender equality and women’s economic empowerment, bringing together experts from government, business, academia, and civil society.
This year’s Inception Meeting marks a decade since the establishment of the W20 and offers a strategicmoment for the African continent to shape the G20’s gender agenda under South Africa’s presidency.Delegates from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, the European Union, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Italy, Kenya,Russia, Turkey, and the United States will participate in a range of panel discussions and high-leveldialogues aligned to the following thematic areas:Entrepreneurship and financial inclusionThe care economyGender-based violence and femicideClimate justice and the environmentEducation, STEM and the digital divideHealth equity for women and girlsWomen, land and agriculture
The programme will also include a Gala Dinner and Cultural Showcase, along with community outreachsessions spotlighting women-led initiatives for food security, digital transformation, and localdevelopment. Confirmed speakers include: Hon. Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga, Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, who will deliver the keynote address during the Opening Plenary. Aleta Miller, UN Women Multi-Country Representative for Southern AfricaAmbassador Mathu Joyini, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United NationsProf Bonang Mohale, Chancellor, University of the Free StateMaude Modise, Enterprise and Government Relations Executive, Shoprite GroupNontobeko Ndhlazi, Group Chief Financial Officer, Wiphold
The W20SA Inception Meeting is convened under the leadership of Prof Narnia Bohler-Muller, Head of
Delegation and Divisional Executive at the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC).
“W20SA is an opportunity for African women and allies from the Global South to drive bold, actionable
recommendations for the G20 Leaders’ Declaration,” said Bohler-Muller. “Our call is one of solidarity,
justice and transformation.”
For more information, visit: www.women20.org
Event Details
Dates: 21–22 May 2025
Times: From 09h00 daily
Venue: Lagoon Beach Hotel & Spa, 1 Lagoon Gate Drive, Lagoon Beach, Cape Town
Media Enquiries
Adziliwi Nematandani
Email: anematandani@hsrc.ac.za
Cell: +27 82 765 9191
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