The Tshwane Women in Business Awards celebrated the achievements of women across various sectors, highlighting their contributions to the local economy and addressing the challenges they face during a prestigious event hosted at the Ditsong Museum.
Organised by the Tshwane Economic Development Agency (Teda), the event honoured female business owners who are breaking barriers and driving change.
Under theme of the event was ‘Advocating diversity and inclusion of Tshwane women trailblazers for economic emancipation’, the awards recognised women in the manufacturing sector, agro-processing, automotive, and energy fields, recognising their significant contributions to the city's economy
Tshwane Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya, who graced the occasion, talked about the importance of celebrating these women, saying they are innovators, farmers, tech entrepreneurs, and manufacturers who are driving local production.
Moya also acknowledged the challenges women in business face, including unequal access to funding and markets, social norms limiting their opportunities, and gender-based violence.
She told winners, runners up and nominees that their stories were inspirational to many women to create an environment where the next generation of women leaders can thrive.
“By recognising your contributions, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that Tshwane becomes a city where women entrepreneurs can dream without limits and achieve without obstacles,” she said.
Women in business, it was said, often face structural and systemic barriers, ranging from unequal access to funding and markets to social norms limiting their opportunities.
The challenges by women were said to be compounded by the realities of gender-based violence and a lack of access to networks and mentorship.
Moya said: “Addressing these challenges is a responsibility shared by government, private sector, and civil society and a responsibility that the City of Tshwane embraces wholeheartedly.”
Denmark's ambassador to South Africa, Elsebeth Sondergaard Krone, praised South Africa for celebrating women during Women's Month and the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
Krone emphasised the need for more women in leadership positions, citing statistics that show globally, women occupy 33% of senior positions, with Denmark at 38% and South Africa at 42%.
The award ceremony, according to Teda, provided not only recognition but also networking opportunities for women-led businesses.
The agency’s Tshwane Agri-Parks Programme is among the initiatives changing the lives of women giving support to over 700 small-scale farmers by providing them training, access to markets and infrastructure.
Agency chief executive Lardo Stander, expressed gratitude at the turnout for celebrating the outstanding contributions being made in the capital city.
“The level of engagement and enthusiasm demonstrated by all attendees truly reflects the vibrant spirit of our business community,” he said.
Pretoria News