South Africa’s Women’s Protest Could Impact Violence Efforts

Recent protests took place amid a period of renewed focus on gender equality within the G20 forum. This focus is driven by consecutive presidencies from the Global South: India in 2023, Brazil in 2024, and South Africa in 2025.

India’s 2023 Presidency

India’s G20 presidency in 2023 shifted the discussion surrounding gender equality. The narrative moved from ‘women’s empowerment’ to ‘women-led development.’ A Women’s Empowerment Working Group was established, and gender equality was integrated into the formal G20 structure, moving it beyond engagement groups.

Brazil’s 2024 Presidency

Brazil’s 2024 presidency prioritized implementation of the initiatives started by India. The country hosted the inaugural meeting of the Women’s Empowerment Working Group and emphasized the importance of the care economy.

South Africa’s 2025 Presidency

South Africa’s 2025 presidency, under the theme ‘Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability,’ occurred five years before the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals deadline and marked the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. The presidency included unprecedented participation from the African Union and broadened the agenda to encompass health equity, land rights, and agriculture, in addition to existing priorities. The Women’s Empowerment Working Group, with support from UN Women, addressed gender-based violence and femicide.

Persistent Challenges

Despite these advancements, challenges remain. Most G20 countries have not achieved a 25 per cent reduction in the gap in labor force participation between men and women. Climate finance disproportionately bypasses women, with only 1.7 per cent reaching small-scale producers in developing countries. Violence against women and girls remains a global issue, with no country having eradicated it.