'Unleash the economic potential of women in SA:' Cyril Ramaphosa

When women are on an equal footing with men for economic opportunities in society, that will be for the good of all.

But this is happening a snail's pace, particularly in business and academia.

This is according to president Cyril Ramaphosa whose weekly newsletter on Monday shone a spotlight on the economic exclusion of women and and its impact in the country.

Ramaphosa said emancipating women economically would also be a deterrent to the scourge of gender-based violence ravaging South Africa.

Economic freedom would enable women to stand on their own, making them less exposed to abuse and exploitation.

Ramaphosa said this agenda was one South Africa would pursue at a continental level having assumed the role of the African Union (AU) chair this year.

But charity begins at home.

"It is only when women have their own means, when they can earn their own income, when they have assets to call their own, when they have skills and capabilities, then they are able to fully control their destinies," said Ramaphosa.

"When we empower women in our society, what we are in effect doing, is to raise incomes and standards of living, alleviate poverty and build more stable communities.

"By unleashing the economic potential of women, we are unleashing the potential of our economies to grow and benefit all. Investing in women’s economic empowerment sets a direct path towards gender equality, poverty eradication and inclusive economic growth."

Ramaphosa said it was concerning that little had been achieved to change the material conditions of women since the 1995 Beijing world conference on women.

It was for this reason that this generation had to make it a point that gender equality was  achieved before another quarter of a century went by.