Economic Empowerment
Source: Eyewitness News
Graca Machel on Wednesday said the next most important revolution for women after political freedom is economic control.
Machel, who is the president of the Foundation for Community Development, was speaking at a women-led business programme in Pretoria.
Ten women from South Africa, Liberia, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Mozambique, Senegal and Rwanda started a mentor programme three years ago.
Machel said the businesswomen from the six countries are reaping the dividends of peace, but they must strive for greater economic control, “to be able to manage assets, to lead their own businesses and to reap the results of those businesses.”
She said economic freedom allows women greater participation in government decisions.
“You use the skills, the knowledge and now the network which you have to change policies in your own country,” said Machel.
Machel said a defining point in Africa’s future will be when women have greater say in financial structures.Graca Machel on Wednesday said the next most important revolution for women after political freedom is economic control.
Machel, who is the president of the Foundation for Community Development, was speaking at a women-led business programme in Pretoria.
Ten women from South Africa, Liberia, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Mozambique, Senegal and Rwanda started a mentor programme three years ago.
Machel said the businesswomen from the six countries are reaping the dividends of peace, but they must strive for greater economic control, “to be able to manage assets, to lead their own businesses and to reap the results of those businesses.”
She said economic freedom allows women greater participation in government decisions.
“You use the skills, the knowledge and now the network which you have to change policies in your own country,” said Machel.
Machel said a defining point in Africa’s future will be when women have greater say in financial structures.