Gender equality at the G20: Turning promises into progress

As part of the global logistics and business community, I see every day how decisions made by G20 economies influence opportunity across sectors. These choices shape whether people, especially women can access credit, find decent work, and rely on social safety nets during challenges times. With South Africa chairing the G20 for the first time, we have an opportunity to turn aspirations around gender equality and inclusive growth into a sustained action.   

That said, the global picture shows how much work remains. Only 17% of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals are currently on track to be achieved by 2030, and over a third show little or no progress. Goal 5, focused on gender equality, continues to face significant barriers. As economic pressures mount and governments navigate rising debt and changing global priorities, it’s often services linked to education, health, and women’s empowerment that experiences setbacks.

We can’t afford for gender inclusion to fall off the agenda. When women participate in economic decision making, entire systems benefit. Policies become more inclusive and responsive. Diverse leadership isn’t just the right thing to do, it improves business resilience and performance.

Making gender equality central to economic policy

Embedding gender equity into policymaking means going beyond commitments. South Africa has adopted a policy framework for gender-responsive budgeting, laying the foundation for more inclusive economic planning. However, implementation across sectors remains inconsistent, and further coordination is needed for these commitments to translate into measurable outcomes. Strong public–private collaboration can support efforts to embed Gender Responsive Budgeting (GRB) into decision-making processes that deliver real impact for women and girls.

Building financial systems that work for women

According to the World Economic Forum, women entrepreneurs face a global financing gap of USD 1.7 trillion.  Many traditional financial systems remain inaccessible due to requirements around collateral, credit history, or property laws; structures that don’t reflect the reality for several women led businesses.

We need tailored banking, more accessible credit programmes, and investment funds designed for women. Reforming property laws and making it easier for women-owned businesses to operate in the formal economy are essential steps. These changes will help spark innovation and help more women succeed.

Rethinking trade to enable inclusion

Trade is a key driver of development, but not all businesses benefit equally.  Trade opens up growth opportunities, but not all businesses benefit equally. Small and women-owned enterprises often face barriers such as limited access to finance, complex regulations, and lack of visibility in supply chains. Ensuring inclusive trade participation means giving these businesses a seat at the table when trade policies are designed.

In South Africa, there’s real potential to support women entrepreneurs in established export sectors like agri-processing, textiles and  logistics. These industries form part of existing trade ecosystems and can offer faster, more practical entry points for inclusion.

Through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), local businesses will gain access to new regional markets, but we must ensure that women-led enterprises are equipped to compete. Simplified cross-border procedures, targeted financing, and capacity-building programmes will be key to enabling real and equitable participation.

Business has a defining role to play

As business leaders, we have the opportunity, and responsibility, to help drive progress by ensuring inclusive workplace cultures and fair systems.   That includes regular pay and promotion reviews, and ensuring inclusive hiring practices, especially in sectors where women have historically been underrepresented.

Inclusion must also extend beyond gender. Diverse teams, with people from different backgrounds, skills and experiences, are more innovative and adaptable because they bring broader perspectives. Making diversity part of how we work every day leads to stronger, more resilient businesses. This isn’t a box to tick, it’s how we grow and serve our teams and customers better.

A call to action

With South Africa chairing the G20, we have an opportunity to lead by example. Gender equality, inclusive financial systems, and more diverse leadership teams aren’t just priorities, they’re economic strategies.   

Real progress requires clear goals, consistent measurement, and collaboration across sectors. We owe it to future generations to help close the gap. Working together, we can turn ambition into practical, lasting gains for women, for business, and for our collective future.

Shabnum Dawood, Country Manager, DHL Global Forwarding, South Africa

BUSINESS REPORT