G20 pledges to close workforce gender gap

G20 member states have reaffirmed their commitment to reducing the gender gap in labour force participation by 25% by 2030 under the newly launched Brisbane-eThekwini Goal, following a two-day Labour and Employment Ministers' Meeting (LEMM) hosted at Fancourt Hotel and Country Estate in George.

- WENDY DONDOLO

Speaking at the closing session, South Africa's Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour, Judith Nemadzinga-Tshabalala, said the renewed goal seeks not only numerical parity but also addresses the quality and conditions of women's employment.

"In 2014, under Australia's G20 Presidency, Leaders adopted the Brisbane Goal, committing to reduce the gender gap in labour force participation by 25% by 2025. Today, we acknowledge that progress has been uneven. While nearly all G20 countries have narrowed the gap since 2012, only about half are on track to meet the target by next year," she said.

The new Brisbane-eThekwini Goal deepens the G20's resolve to close the gender gap and ensure meaningful participation for women across the global labour market.