Mashatile calls for equal participation in economy for women, young people
Deputy President, Paul Mashatile has called for equal participation in the economy for both women and young people at the Black Business Summit (BBS).
Mashatile addressed the final day of the two-day conference where he also raised concerns about the number of women serving on the boards of JSE-listed companies.
He says to date, only a “small percentage if at all” of women sit on these boards.
“It is equally concerning that women are experiencing higher levels of unemployment, while those who are employed generally earn 19 to 37 percent less than their male counterparts,” he said.
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Mashatile added that it was both the responsibility of the government and the private sector to create a conducive environment for equal participation.
“As government, we have created a number of initiatives to promote women's economic participation. Government initiatives such as the Women Empowerment Fund and the National Empowerment Fund, to name two, are designed to increase funding for black women to enter the world of business.”
The Summit concluded Friday with various speakers including Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe and various political parties that include the ANC, EFF, IF and the DA addressing representatives.
