Experiencing the G20 W20 South Africa Inception Meeting - day 1

Under the programme banner of Women in Solidarity, attendance at the first day meeting was either in person at Lagoon Beach, Cape Town, or online. Either form of attendance would have generated a similar gamut of emotion. There was pride in the identification of South Africa as being eminently suitable as the country host for this year, given South Africa’s own legacy of emerging from struggle, the spirit of ubuntu, and using the metaphor of emerging through fog – with a wish for attendees to “stay with us next year – no matter what”. 

The Honourable Sindisiwe Chikunga, Minister of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities in the Presidency, gave the keynote address. Recalling the 30 years since the Beijing blueprint, recognising 10 years of progress, and acknowledging how much still needs to be done, the Minister declared that women in solidarity is not optional, but imperative. Speaking with the full realisation of the uneven achievement of rights, as so much of the language and content taken for granted is now up for discussion, any progress could be reversed. The challenge to fight for – during South Africa’s term – child care, elder care, land procurement for women and youth; and fight against gender-based violence. The use of research and evidence-based interventions to overcoming the challenges, in the pursuit of economic growth and economic justice. The challenge is there – but through solidarity we can overcome. “We are not guests in the global economy, we are the builders of it.”

Discussion on the care economy, care-giving for young and elderly, and the lived reality of many women, linked to issues of financial inclusion. The speakers addressed content that was not light, but supported by research; data is identified as being fundamental to ground actions for change. Experts in their field, from academia to non-profit organisations, provided input on the financial case for women inclusion, and the need for financing of women entrepreneurs. As an example of such support, Miss Maude Modise from Shoprite Checkers, presented on the work of the retailer in support of small farmers: joint planning of crops, support to obtain food safety certification, and using the retailer’s delivery vehicles to collect farm produce – reducing the cost of transport to market.             

Later, the profoundly troubling “harsh reality” of gender-based violence; contrasted with the uplifting and motivational reports of what women have achieved – from using tech to support rape victims, to training and empowering women care-givers of children in their early years.

The conclusion – one is left in no doubt of the magnitude of the challenge, balanced by a feeling of confidence that no matter how erratic progress may be - with advances and setbacks, in solidarity change is possible. There is far more detail to report, and a second day to come with an agenda featuring the challenges and promises of a just transition to renewable energy and women’s economic empowerment.