CAPE TOWN, May 21 (Xinhua) -- The Women20 (W20) South Africa Inception Meeting kicked off on Wednesday in Cape Town, the legislative capital of South Africa, with a call on global leaders and policymakers to translate gender-focused discussions into tangible policy changes.
Speaking at the meeting, South African Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga noted that while discussions on gender equality are essential, they must lead to concrete actions that improve the lives of women and girls globally.
The W20 is one of the official independent engagement groups of the Group of 20 (G20), focusing on promoting gender equity and women's economic empowerment. The two-day meeting, themed "Women in Solidarity," marks 10 years of the W20 and brings together global delegates representing governments, businesses, academia, and civil society.
"Today's gathering at the foot of Table Mountain is more than a meeting. It is a milestone. A chance to chart a new path. A moment to ensure that the lived realities of women are not footnotes in economic recovery, but foundations of sustainable development," Chikunga said.
As South Africa currently chairs the G20, the minister outlined key priorities for its women's agenda, including investment in the care economy, financial inclusion, and addressing gender-based violence with urgency and accountability.
"These are not emerging challenges. They are long-acknowledged gaps that have been underfunded, under-prioritized, and under-acted upon," she said.
Chikunga also emphasized the urgency of coordinated action, warning that while progress has been made since the 1995 Beijing Declaration, gender equality remains far from being realized.
"This year marks 30 years since the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a global commitment to the full realization of women's rights in every country, economy, and sector," said Chikunga.
"Three decades later, that vision remains unfinished. Progress has been made, yes -- but it has been uneven, fragile, and too often reversed," she said, calling on delegates to use the W20 platform to influence real policy shifts. ■