The rate at which women start businesses, and the scale that they reach, is below potential. The ideals of equity and inclusive growth mean nothing without the full participation of women in the South African economy.

Historically, women have faced numerous barriers to their engagement in the economy, which are being progressively overcome as policies and transformative measures take effect.

However, the risk of complacency is high, especially in difficult economic times where women’s advancement often takes a back seat. 

To close the gender gap in the economy, women need more public and private sector support. Some of the interventions that have been identified are more women-focused lending institutions and inclusive financing models 

There are, however, government and private enterprises with programmes and funds in place aimed at providing access to funding for women-owned businesses in South Africa

Some of the funding programmes for women-owned businesses in South Africa 👇

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Women have a dynamic role to play in all areas of society, including launching businesses in traditionally male-dominated industries. We see women entrepreneurs continue to shatter stereotypes and find success in male-dominated sectors like security, construction, steelworks and mining.

In a previous SME South Africa article Faith Mabena spoke on how women in the construction industry continue to face an uphill battle and deal with being underestimated.

“Although historically, this industry may have been built on the backs of many men who were passionate about building and growing our country, women can bring a different point of view to any boardroom table (or construction site) and with different points of view comes change.”

Women make up more than half of the population, however, only one in five businesses in South Africa are owned by women. The economic potential of women is often overlooked and women entrepreneurs continue to face multiple challenges such as structural barriers, among other challenges.

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Be Inspired By Top Women Entrepreneurs in South Africa 

Many inspiring businesswomen in South Africa have disrupted and innovated various industries. To help get you inspired and learn more about our top women in business, here are eight of the most successful businesswomen in various industries in South Africa.

The Most Successful Business Women in South Africa

Reflect on the achievements of several South African women entrepreneurs and corporate leaders, whether it’s them taking on a new C-suite position of a major company, launching a new business venture or helping to drive innovation on the African continent.

Women Who Made Major Moves in 2020

Read about the impressive efforts of women entrepreneurs who are not only successfully building innovative businesses that employ thousands, but are also leading the way for the future of female entrepreneurship on the African continent. Lessons From Some of South Africa's Most Inspiring Women 

GET ACCESS to in-depth interviews with 4 South African Women Entrepreneurs.

Learn more about the funding journeys of 4 local women entrepreneurs who are behind some of the country’s most Bankable, Scalable and Future-fit businesses.

What’s inside:

• The strategies they used to secure funding.

• The impact of business funding on their businesses’ growth.

• How they navigated the challenges they faced during the application process.

• Their advice for other female entrepreneurs.