Africa-Press – Eswatini. Inkhosikati Make LaMatsebula has called for the full inclusion of women in economic, political, and social life, stressing that empowering women is not only a matter of justice but also an economic necessity for the growth of Southern Africa.
Delivering her remarks through the Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Jane Mkhonta-Simelane, at the African Storyteller’s Luncheon in Celebration of Women’s Month, Inkhosikati underscored the role of women as the foundation of families, societies, and nations.
“This year’s theme, ‘The Role of Women in Growing Southern Africa’s Economies,’ is both timely and urgent. Our path demands the full and equal inclusion of women in every sphere of economic and political life,” she said.
Women as Drivers of Economic Growth
Inkhosikati LaMatsebula highlighted that women are already central to economic activity in sectors such as agriculture, textiles, trade, and small enterprises. She urged women to embrace entrepreneurship, stressing that job creation should be prioritised alongside salaried employment.
“As women, we must take our place in creating jobs for other women and the girl child if we are to help grow a healthier and better economy. Who is better placed to promote business and nurture opportunities than women themselves?” she stated.
She further called on financial institutions to improve women’s access to credit and financing, noting that limited access to financial services remained a major barrier to women’s advancement.
Breaking Barriers, Promoting Inclusion
The speech highlighted persistent challenges faced by women, including discrimination, underrepresentation in decision-making roles, and gender-based violence (GBV). Inkhosikati described these as societal failures that must be confronted directly.
“Governments, the private sector, and civil society have a duty to dismantle the structures that hinder women’s progress. This is not just a matter of justice; it is an economic imperative,” she emphasised.
She urged male leaders to become champions of inclusion: “True leadership is not about holding power, but about empowering others. Let us create workplaces, communities, and governments where women’s voices are heard and their talents are fully realised.”
Women as Architects of Peace and Stability
Beyond economics, Inkhosikati LaMatsebula praised women as “architects of peace, stability, and nation-building,” stating that empowered women foster stronger and more resilient nations.
“As the African proverb goes, educating a woman is as good as educating the whole community. Investing in women’s education, skills development, and financial empowerment is the smart thing to do for the future of our region,” she noted.
A Call to Action
Inkhosikati concluded with a rallying call for collective commitment towards women’s empowerment:
“Let us commit to building societies and nations where women are not just included, but are central to our economic, political, and social life. By empowering women, we strengthen households, communities, and ultimately the nation.”
She reminded Emaswati that Eswatini’s 2005 Constitution already provides for equal opportunities for women, and urged lawmakers to enact further enabling legislation to protect and promote women and children.
For More News And Analysis About Eswatini Follow Africa-Press
