WENOSA – Women’s Empowerment Network of South Africa

WELCOME TO the Women’s Empowerment Network Of South Africa

The Women’s Empowerment Network of South Africa (WENOSA) is a leading catalyst for the economic empowerment and advancement of women and girls. Guided by the ambition of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 and South Africa’s broader development priorities, we drive transformative initiatives that expand access to education, economic opportunity, entrepreneurship, and leadership.

Through strategic partnerships, targeted programmes, and evidence-based advocacy, WENOSA addresses the systemic barriers that continue to limit women’s full participation in society. Our work equips women with the skills, resources, networks, and opportunities needed to thrive, while creating pathways for girls to realise their potential and contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s future.

Impact at a Glance

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WOMEN-OWNED
ENTERPRISES
Accelerated for sustainable growth

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NEXT GENERATION WOMEN
LEADERS
Equipped for senior leadership

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SCHOLARSHIPS
AWARDED
Expanding access to higher education

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YOUNG WOMEN
REACHED
Through education and career readiness initiatives

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MENSTRUAL HYGIENE
PRODUCTS
Distributed to advance dignity

“Freedom cannot be achieved unless women have been emancipated from all forms of oppression” – Nelson Mandela

Rationale

While the South African economy post 1994 has been restructured to allow for a more inclusive landscape, the day-to-day reality tells a different story. A recent labour force survey in South Africa reveals that at present, ‘47% of South African women are recorded as economically inactive’ and that of the South African women who are inactive, the unemployment rate among black African women is much higher than among other female population groups. Moreover, the Global Gender Gap Report 2022 asserts that progress towards gender parity has been reversed due to recent social and economic crises’.

Furthermore, period poverty, which affects approximately 7 million women and girls, and systemic inequities that may prevent working-class women from achieving their potential for career progression are other significant concerns affecting the attainment of gender equality. Finally, women-owned businesses only receive 1% to 5% of the R1.5 trillion national procurement budget, despite the fact that 40% of this budget has been set aside to support them.

In light of the aforementioned, WENOSA is committed to ensuring that South African women are equipped with the knowledge, skills and advocacy support they need to access economic and other opportunities. In addition, we are well-positioned to act as a support agency, offering key stakeholders the assistance required to achieve objectives that align with realizing gender equality.

Our Objectives

FACILITATE EFFECTIVE SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING

Our network provides insights on the skills needed for a shared future, as well as the resources for providing these skills.

EMPOWER INNOVATIVE ENTERPRISES

We work to nurture sustainable, profitable female-driven businesses in an environment that ensures they thrive.

DEVELOP COMPREHENSIVE LEADERSHIP CAPABILITIES

WENOSA connects you with influential mentors committed to developing the next generation of leaders.

ADVOCATE FOR THE HOLISTIC WELFARE OF WOMEN

We raise awareness on issues that affect women, in order to promote and protect their rights.

CREATE ECONOMIC
OPPORTUNITIES

WENOSA leverages partnerships to create access to opportunities.

ENABLE EFFECTIVE
NETWORKING

We foster relationships that are mutually beneficial by creating these environments.