Women’s Month is often a time to reflect on the challenges facing women in South Africa, but it also presents an opportunity to spotlight initiatives designed to create tangible pathways for women to grow their businesses, advance their careers and contribute to the country’s science and innovation landscape.
From market access and funding opportunities to recognition programmes and support for women in research, several initiatives are placing women at the centre of economic and scientific development.
Creating opportunities for women-owned businesses
One of the initiatives aimed at expanding opportunities for women entrepreneurs is the EmpowerHer Market Trade Fair, launched by the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities in partnership with Absa.
The initiative focuses on creating market-access opportunities for women-owned enterprises across South Africa. Beyond providing a platform for businesses to showcase their products and services, the programme aims to connect entrepreneurs with potential investors and procurement opportunities.
For women-led businesses looking to move beyond simply keeping their enterprises afloat, access to new markets, corporate buyers and investors can be an important step towards sustainable growth.
Another major event on the entrepreneurial calendar is the SME Entrepreneur Women in Business Summit & Awards (SMEWIB 2026), scheduled to take place in Johannesburg on August 27.
The summit is expected to bring together women entrepreneurs and business leaders for discussions focused on scaling businesses, corporate procurement and venture funding. It will also feature masterclasses aimed at providing practical knowledge to women looking to strengthen and expand their enterprises.
Recognising women driving change
Women’s Month also provides an opportunity to recognise women whose work is contributing to economic growth and social transformation.
The Golden Women Awards 2026 is currently inviting nominations and features women across South Africa who are making an impact through business, leadership and social transformation.
Beyond recognition, the platform offers opportunities for media exposure as well as potential participation in global summit platforms, giving successful nominees an opportunity to broaden their visibility and networks.
For emerging entrepreneurs and leaders, such platforms can provide more than an accolade. Increased visibility can help women build professional networks, attract new opportunities and highlight work that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Supporting women in science
The push to empower women extends beyond entrepreneurship and into science, technology and research.
The South African Women in Science Awards (SAWiSA), hosted by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, recognises the contribution of women researchers across the country’s science and technology sectors.
The main awards ceremony is scheduled for August 20, celebrating women whose research and academic work contribute to South Africa’s scientific development.
The programme also provides support through Master’s and PhD fellowships in science, technology and innovation, creating opportunities for women to pursue advanced research and build careers in fields where women remain underrepresented.
Turning recognition into opportunity
While Women’s Month is often associated with celebrations and commemorative events, these initiatives highlight another side of the month: access.
For an entrepreneur, access could mean meeting a potential investor or securing a corporate procurement opportunity. For a young researcher, it could mean receiving funding to pursue a postgraduate qualification.
For an established woman leader, recognition could open the door to new professional networks and international platforms.
Together, these initiatives demonstrate the importance of creating practical opportunities alongside conversations about women’s empowerment.
As South Africa marks Women’s Month, women looking to grow businesses, pursue research or expand their professional networks can use these platforms not only to celebrate their achievements, but also to explore opportunities that could help take their work to the next level.
IOL
