By Thapelo Molefe
President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged world leaders, business executives, and change makers to unite in confronting global inequality and accelerating women’s empowerment, saying the advancement of women is essential to building a more just and sustainable future.
Delivering the opening address at the International Women’s Forum (IWF) in Cape Town on Thursday, Ramaphosa said the gathering embodies the spirit of Ubuntu – the African philosophy meaning “I am because we are.”
“This is a call to recognise our shared humanity, our interdependence and the collective power of women in shaping society,” Ramaphosa said.
“When women rise, societies rise with them. When women prosper, the whole community benefits.”
The president said South Africa was honoured to host the conference, which brings together influential women leaders from across the world.
He said the work of the IWF echoes the principles guiding South Africa’s G20 presidency, which are solidarity, equality, and sustainability.
Ramaphosa highlighted the findings of the newly launched G20 Report on Global Inequality, led by Nobel laureate Professor Joseph Stiglitz, which he described as a wake-up call on the widening global wealth gap.
The report revealed that between 2000 and 2024, the richest 1% of the world’s population captured 41% of all new wealth, while the poorest half received just 1%.
“The report sounds an alarm about the inequality emergency the world is facing today,” Ramaphosa said.
“In more economically unequal societies, fewer women complete higher education or are represented in legislatures, and the gender pay gap is wider.”
The president also reflected on recent G20 discussions held in Gauteng, where ministers responsible for women’s empowerment placed gender equality at the centre of the global economic agenda. He said the meeting focused on expanding women’s financial inclusion, strengthening the care economy, and tackling gender-based violence and femicide.
“The recognition, reduction and redistribution of unpaid care and domestic work is essential to addressing structural barriers to women’s empowerment,” he said.
“Expanding women’s access to finance, digital tools and entrepreneurship must take place alongside efforts to end gender-based violence and femicide.”
Ramaphosa paid tribute to women who have defied systemic barriers to lead in business, politics, science and community development.
“These stories of resilience remind us that progress is not just about policy. It is about courage, creativity and persistence.”
He also warned of a growing global backlash against women’s rights and gender equality.
“There is a resurgence of resistance to the gains made on human rights and gender equality,” he said.
“Let us work together to ensure there is no backsliding on the progress we have achieved so far.”
Ramaphosa urged delegates to ensure that the conference outcomes translate into real-world change.
“The outcomes of this conference must extend beyond these walls, influencing policy, transforming institutions, and ultimately, creating a more equitable and just world,” he said.
The International Women’s Forum, with more than 8,400 members globally, brings together women leaders across business, government, academia and civil society.
This year’s Cornerstone Conference in Cape Town is themed around advancing women’s leadership in an era of global change.
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