President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Thursday the recognition, reduction and redistribution of unpaid care and domestic work is essential to addressing structural barriers to women’s empowerment, as he noted the hurdles women face in society.

Ramaphosa was speaking at the International Women's Forum Global Cornerstone Conference in Cape Town, where he noted the G20 Report on Global Inequality launched earlier week.

The report found that in more economically unequal societies, fewer women complete higher education or are represented in the legislature, and the pay gap between women and men is wider.

“These are significant barriers to women’s advancement and development,” he said.

Ramaphosa pointed out that expanding women’s access to finance, digital tools and entrepreneurship opportunities must take place alongside efforts to end gender-based violence and femicide.

“Together, these initiatives reflect a shared commitment to a world where women can realise their full potential.

“In this effort, we are inspired by the many women who, against extraordinary odds, have transformed adversity into opportunity,” he said.

He stated that women, despite systemic discrimination, had pioneered businesses, led communities and developed innovative solutions that had improved the lives of millions.

He further highlighted that these were the women who had raised families while pursuing education, and who had crossed cultural and structural barriers to lead in fields where they were once invisible.

“These stories of resilience remind us that progress is not just about policy. It is about courage, creativity and persistence. The International Women’s Forum exemplifies this message,” he stated.

The conference, he added, is a platform to examine how women in leadership can not only respond to today’s challenges but anticipate the opportunities of tomorrow.

Ramaphosa explained that the sessions at the conference brought global perspectives from women leading large institutions and shaping entire communities.

“These discussions are especially timely in a world of shifting geopolitics, where multilateralism is tested and new forms of cooperation are urgently needed,” he said.

He highlighted that there was a resurgence of resistance to the gains made on human rights and gender equality, noting that there was a danger that the advancements made with respect to women’s empowerment, women’s rights and gender equality may be unravelled.

“My call to everyone here today is let us work together to ensure there is no backsliding on the progress we have achieved so far. Let us move forward with greater purpose and determination. As we proceed, we must continue to be guided by the spirit of Ubuntu.

“We must recognise that our progress is intertwined. That when women rise, societies rise with them. When women prosper, the whole community benefits. When girls are educated, the economy flourishes,” Ramaphosa said.