"We are excited as KwaZulu Natal to once again host the FWA Leading Women Summit," says MEC for economic development, tourism and environmental affairs, Nomsa Dube-Ncube. "Through summits such as these, we are positioning the province as a key destination in terms of leisure and sport, while drawing in foreign investment."

The province, through the department of economic development, tourism and environmental affairs, is driving a number of female empowerment initiatives. The focus of these initiatives is to empower women to take charge of their futures as leaders.

According to the government, there has recently been an increase in the number of women in the corridors of power. This is reflected by the make-up of the provincial cabinet, which comprises six women and five men.

Within the KwaZulu Natal legislature, more than 40% of members are female — including the speaker and various parliamentary committee chairs. There is also a high representation of black African women (28%) at senior management level in public service among 37% total female representation.

"Hosting 2020 FWA Leading Women Summit is also an affirmation of our ability to host international events," adds Dube-Ncube. "We want to use this event to encourage women in leadership positions to close ranks and support each other in order to transform this province, the country and the continent as a whole."

Dube-Ncube says that the summit would also highlight progress and challenges faced by women in society. "I have always held the view that the economic wellbeing of a society cannot be achieved if women are massively underprivileged compared to their male counterparts. The economy of this country will never grow if we fail to utilise the contributions and skills of women in different economic activities."

Outside of the summit, the province aims to see women in different sectors of the economy through a number of avenues. The government has opened Operation Vula Fund and development finance institutions — Ithala and KZN Growth Fund — with funding aimed at ensuring the participation of women in the following sectors:
  • digital economy and 4IR — KwaZulu Natal hosted a Women in ICT Dialogue with the aim to train thousands of women the sector
  • manufacturing — the department introduced a Black Industrialist Programme to ensure the proportional share of businesses operating is reflective of the demographics
  • tourism — promotion of female-owned tourism products and facilities
  • automotive — development of an Automotive Supplier Park in the south of Durban
  • maritime — promotion of women in this sector including owning and operating workshops and cruise liners
  • clothing and textiles — the department is seeking access to a clothing and textile competitiveness programme under the department of trade and industry.
"We are proud of the fact that women continue to contribute to nation-building by being actively involved as professionals in government and the private sector, as entrepreneurs and other sectors that were previously male-dominated," adds Dube-Ncube.

"We also praise women who continue to work as domestic workers, farm labourers, in factories or as street traders — earning a living and raising their children. These women are a beacon of hope for the future of this country," she says.

The 2020 FWA Leading Women Summit has welcomed 30 high-profile speakers to panel discussions and inspiring 'In the Spotlight' talks. The line-up includes:
  • former first lady Graça Machel
  • South African minister of international relations and cooperation
  • Dr Naledi Pandor
  • internationally-renowned singer Lira, and
  • Lebohang Lebogo, South Africa's first female drone pilot.
The summit will be followed by the FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Awards and gala dinner, which aims to celebrate the continent's most influential female 'ceiling crashers' across a number of categories.

The MEC encourages women to attend the summit and become involved in the discussion to nation-building and female empowerment. The event has indicated that there are limited spaces available and, therefore, interested parties are encouraged to book early at www.webtickets.co.za.

For more information, visit www.Leadingwomensummit.co.za. You can also follow the 2020 FWA Leading Women Summit on Facebook or Twitter.