Outcome ZAF_D_1.2

Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE)

During this periond SAMCO supported the South African Government Presidency in developing a holistic conceptual framework on productive assets, named “ The Gender Squeeze”. The paper identifies key policy actions that can decrease costs borne by women and increase income earned by women. It calls for increasing investment in productive assets for women to strengthen women’s economic and financial inclusion. The paper has been used for advocacy outputs, including high-level engagements between AU member states, the Action Coalition on Economic Justice and Rights and during the UN General Assembly. The paper made the following key recommendations that are used to advocate for strengthening productive assets for women. Promote Financial Education in Schools – starting in primary school and through tertiary education and extending to the marketplaces of women entrepreneurs, saving and lending circles, and their communities. Provide Universal Health Care or interim measures that reduce healthcare costs and increase women’s access to confidential, affordable health services. Provide Universal Health Care or interim measures that reduce healthcare costs and increase women’s access to confidential, affordable health services. Support girls access to tertiary education. Ensure girls are safe in and travelling to and from school; encourage girls to enter traditionally male fields; and support girls in their employment-seeking post-graduation. Take steps to preserve the human rights of citizens while ensuring women are not denied the benefits afforded to be a documented citizen. Take steps to preserve the human rights of citizens while ensuring women are not denied the benefits afforded to be a documented citizen.