G20 conference focuses on financial inclusion and empowering women economically

South Africa is putting women’s economic empowerment and inclusive financial systems at the centre of global discussion this week by hosting the G20 Financial Inclusion and Women Empowerment Conference 2025 at Sun City from 6 to 9 May.

Under the banner of its G20 Presidency, South Africa’s Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) is co-hosting the high-level event, which merges two major platforms: the second Empowerment of Women Working Group (EWWG) meeting and the annual Financial Inclusion Conference.

The conference continues the work initiated at Brazil’s 2024 summit and aims to influence future G20 policies through a new Guidelines Framework for Mainstreaming Women’s Priorities.

This framework aims to embed women’s financial inclusion into global economic reform agendas and influence international development priorities.

Aligned with G20 Priority 2: Promoting the Financial Inclusion of and for Women, the gathering also supports broader initiatives such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the African Union Agenda 2063, and South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP) 2030.

“This week’s discussions will reaffirm South Africa’s commitment to advancing women’s empowerment and gender equality while promoting the exchange of global best practices,” the DWYPD said in a statement.

Key themes and high-level participation

The event convenes an influential mix of policymakers, academics, entrepreneurs, and youth leaders from G20 member states and beyond. Key focus areas include:

• The care economy and the value of paid and unpaid care work
• Enhancing women’s access to inclusive financial services
• Tackling gender-based violence and femicide

These themes reflect ongoing challenges and opportunities in achieving SDG 5, which seeks to eliminate discrimination and ensure full and equal participation for women and girls globally.

Academic track led by Tshwane University of Technology

A standout feature of this year’s conference is the Academic Track, spearheaded by Tshwane University of Technology’s Centre for Entrepreneurship Development.

It is designed to bridge research and policy, driving evidence-based strategies for financial inclusion.

Dr Patrick Ebewo, Co-Chairperson of the G20 Conference and Director at TUT, highlighted the need to dismantle systemic barriers.

“This conference offers a unique opportunity for policymakers, academics, and advocates to develop practical strategies for reshaping financial ecosystems and advancing economic justice for women,” Dr Ebewo said.

The Academic Track’s key objectives include:

• Generating evidence-based solutions for women’s financial inclusion
• Integrating research into policy frameworks
• Encouraging multidisciplinary partnerships
• Applying regional and global perspectives
• Supporting G20 EWWG goals with measurable academic outcomes

Looking ahead

As the world marks 10 years since the launch of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the DWYPD emphasised the urgency of accelerating progress on women’s empowerment.

“With only five years left to meet the 2030 targets, South Africa’s G20 Presidency is championing bold action to advance SDG 5 and ensure that no woman or girl is left behind,” the department concluded.