Women need justice, not empowerment – Dr Phakeng

MBABANE – Advocacy for women was the order of the day as the African Storyteller brought together great minds to deliberate on how best women can drive southern Africa’s economies.

One of the keynote speakers, the 10^th University of Cape Town Vice Chancellor and renowned Mathematician Dr Mamokgethi Phakeng urged African leaders and businesses to move beyond symbolic gestures of empowerment and instead deliver justice for women, stressing that inclusion in economic growth is a matter of fairness rather than generosity.

Speaking during the Role of Women in Growing Southern Africa’s Economies panel discussion hosted by the African Storyteller, Dr Phakeng said women have moved past the ‘glass ceiling’ era of the 20^th century, but are now facing new invisible barriers.

“In the 21^st century, instead of being told you cannot enter the room, women are told how much they can say or do once inside. The packaging may be different from the 20^th century, but the product is the same,” he said.

Dr Phakeng added that these barriers dictate how women dress, speak or lead and are constraints not imposed on men. “A decisive man is seen as a strong leader, but a decisive woman is often judged differently,” she noted.

She called for a shift in language: “Empowerment sounds generous and looks good on banners, but it implies hierarchy. What women need is not empowerment but justice. Women are not born with less strength or intelligence; what we lack is recognition for our capabilities,” stated the 10^th University of Cape Town vice chancellor.

Her remarks resonated with speakers from across government, business and civil society, who reflected on women’s role in reshaping economies.

Claudia Castellanos, Founder and CEO of Black Mamba Foods, said her company – run entirely by women – was built not to make money alone but to ensure everyone in the value chain, including farmers, benefitted. “When you are a woman, you support other women,” she said, noting that Black Mamba had faced a funding gap because it was considered a risky business. “We need better policies, access to land and alternatives to bridge this gap. Investing in women is investing in communities,” she stated.

Minister for Public Works and Transport Chief Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe said the gathering of key partners was crucial in shaping regional economies. He said while women’s role in global logistics and infrastructure was growing, representation remained uneven. “Although women are now at 40 per cent in industry — a notable shift from past years — the gap at executive level remains wide,” he said. He added that Eswatini was making strides by pushing more girls into STEM education to prepare them for leadership in transport and infrastructure.

Finance Minister Neal Rijkenberg, described women as central to Africa’s economic future, calling women in financial inclusion ‘a critical topic’ and urging that women in business be appreciated and supported.

Full article available in our publication.