Reflections on the W20 Launch: A commitment to empower women through evidence-based policymaking

March is women’s history month. This month is a vital opportunity to recognise and celebrate the invaluable contributions of women across all sectors of society, past and present. It serves as a reminder of the progress made towards gender equality while acknowledging the persistent challenges that women continue to face globally. By highlighting the achievements of women in science, leadership, policy, and community development, we not only honour their legacy but also inspire future generations to break barriers and drive meaningful change.

This year’s women’s history month takes place at the backdrop of South Africa’s hosting of the G20 presidency. At the NRF, both events culminated last week at the launch of Women 20 (W20)- an official engagement group focused on women’s empowerment on 26 February 2025. It was a moment of reflection, dialogue, and commitment to meaningful change. Leaders, experts, and advocates gathered at the NRF’s Pretoria campus to address the urgent need for a more equitable and resilient world for women, particularly in the space of evidence-based policymaking.

The speakers reiterated the central theme that “Women must be actively involved in the shaping of policies that impact their lives”. “Nothing is for us without us”, said Ms Zaynah Khanbhai, Special Advisor to the W20 Head of Delegation on Africa and Women in Business, highlighting the urgency to ensure that women’s voices are not just heard but are also driving decision-making processes.

Mentorship and leadership training have become essential elements in this journey. Dr Mamoeletsi Mosia, Managing Director of the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (NRF-SAASTA), put it bluntly that women should not just be participants in research and innovation; they should be leading it””. This requires targeted interventions that ensure that women have access to leadership roles, particularly in male-dominated fields such as STEM. This also means designing funding models that acknowledge career transitions and caregiving responsibilities and ensuring that women are not penalised for taking career breaks. Additionally, rural women, who are often excluded from policy conversations, must be brought into the fold to ensure truly inclusive representation. The W20’s agenda is clear: gender equality in STEM and beyond must be prioritised at all levels of policy and decision-making.

The NRF plays a vital role in the advancement of these objectives by not only funding research but also shaping policies that support women throughout their careers. By backing initiatives such as W20, the NRF reinforces the importance of evidence-based policymaking that ensures sustainable and impactful change. With the right policies in place, women will have access to not only funding, but also the necessary structures to thrive in their respective fields. “Having an institution such as the NRF behind this effort is a game changer,” Dr Mosia noted. “It means that we can push for evidence-based policies that recognise the unique challenges women face, including career breaks for caregiving responsibilities.”

Another powerful discussion revolved around economic empowerment and financial inclusion. “Women are doing it all, yet we are still not in the lead,” Ms Khanbhai reflected. The room echoed with agreement as the speakers called for equitable access to funding and resources to ensure that women have the tools to succeed in all sectors. As the discussions unfolded, it became clear that the W20 has the opportunity to influence global policies in a way that prioritises gender equality and sustainability. South Africa is well placed to lead this movement, and the NRF plays a pivotal role in translating these commitments into real and actionable policies. As we move forward, the focus must remain on transforming these discussions into actionable policies that will drive real, transformative change for women in all sectors.

“We have to move from talk to action,” Ms Phelisa Nkomo, Chairperson of the InEquality Movement, stated in her closing remarks. This is our moment to redefine the narrative for women in STEM, policy, and beyond. Conversations at the W20 launch were not only about problems; they were also about solutions. With strong institutional backing, collective effort, and unwavering commitment, this is only the beginning of a powerful journey toward real change. The road ahead requires commitment and collaboration, but by working together we can build a future where women are not only participants in research and innovation but also the driving force behind it.

W20 is led in South Africa by Prof. Narnia Bohler-Muller and Ms. Sibulele Poswayo, with several task teams headed by subject-matter experts. Dr. Dorothy Ngila (Business Advancement) co-chairs the Education, STEM, and Digital Divide (ESDD) task team alongside Dr. Rachel Adams, University of Cape Town.  They are supported by an NRF team comprising Dr. Moloko Mathipa-Mdakane (RIISA), Morongwa Motiane (Business Advancement), Mpendulo Sibiya (Corporate Communications) and Zamokuhle Buthelezi (RIISA).

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