KZN Premier Unveils Bold Initiatives to Drive Gender Equality and Economic Empowerment

The International Women’s Day celebrations concluded on an inspiring note, featuring personal accounts of resilience and success from women across various industries.

 In a landmark move to accelerate gender equality and economic empowerment, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has unveiled a series of government interventions aimed at tackling gender-based violence and fostering women's financial independence.

Speaking at the province’s International Women’s Day celebrations held at the KwaMashu Indoor Sports Centre, north of Durban, on Saturday, Premier Ntuli reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to implementing practical measures to uplift women and ensure their safety.

Under the theme, “Accelerate Action: Collectively, We Can Accelerate Action for Gender Equality,” the event served as a platform to address the urgent need for intervention in the face of persistent challenges such as gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), economic exclusion, and limited access to critical resources for women across KwaZulu-Natal.

Strengthening the Fight Against Gender-Based Violence

Highlighting the severity of GBVF, Premier Ntuli reflected on alarming crime statistics, particularly in eThekwini, where a staggering 2,252 cases of gender-based violence were reported between October and December 2024.

“These figures are a national crisis that demand urgent and collective action,” he stressed.

To address the crisis, the provincial government announced a series of interventions, including:

• The launch of a GBVF mobile app in collaboration with the private sector, designed to provide real-time emergency assistance, connect victims with support services, and offer educational resources on safety measures.
• Construction of a new Thuthuzela Care Centre in Jozini, in partnership with Spar Group Ltd, to provide crucial support and integrated services for GBV survivors, including legal aid, counseling, and medical assistance.
• Fast-tracking the establishment of a Khuseleka One-Stop Centre in eThekwini, ensuring improved access to critical GBV services such as legal aid, shelter, and mental health support.
• Enhancing psycho-social care through 21 shelters and 31 White Door Centres, offering temporary accommodation, victim assistance, and long-term support programs for women escaping abusive environments.

R200 Million Women Advancement Fund to Boost Economic Empowerment

Recognizing the deep-rooted connection between economic vulnerability and gender-based violence, Premier Ntuli underscored the need for financial independence among women.

A key intervention in this regard is the Women Advancement Fund, an R200 million initiative launched in August 2024. The fund aims to:

• Provide financial support for women entrepreneurs to establish or expand their businesses.
• Offer mentorship and skills development programs to ensure the long-term success of female-owned enterprises.
• Facilitate access to markets and key resources, enabling women to participate fully in the province’s economic landscape.

To ensure that women across KwaZulu-Natal can take full advantage of these opportunities, the government will conduct district-wide roadshows to assist applicants in accessing funding and business development support.

A Call for Collective Action

Premier Ntuli called upon all sectors of society, including government agencies, business leaders, community organizations, and traditional authorities, to collaborate in advancing gender equality.

“Gender justice is not just a women's issue—it is a societal responsibility,” he stated. “We must commit to accelerating action beyond words and implement real, measurable interventions that bring lasting change. Women are the backbone of our communities, and we must ensure they live in a world where they are safe, empowered, and afforded equal opportunities.”

Celebrating Women’s Success Stories

The International Women’s Day celebrations concluded on an inspiring note, featuring personal accounts of resilience and success from women across various industries. These stories served to encourage others to seize the opportunities provided by the provincial government, fostering a collective commitment to driving meaningful change for women in KwaZulu-Natal.

With these bold new initiatives, Premier Ntuli has signaled a decisive shift toward a future where women’s safety, economic prosperity, and equal opportunities are at the forefront of the province’s agenda.