Million Women Movement to Host Impactful Event in Gold Coast

• South Africa has opened its inaugural world women's business chamber
• The chamber is set to open offices globally to link women professionals and entrepreneurs
• The program is named the Global Business Women's Chamber of Commerce and Industry

South Africa has opened its first world women's business chamber, intending to open offices globally to deepened links among women professionals and entrepreneurs.

The programme, the Global Business Women's Chamber of Commerce and Industry, was launched in Durban.

Founder Fawzia Peer, who is also an ANC National Executive Member, said it was a forum to link women locally and internationally, develop economic opportunities, and uplift each other to bring about positive change. She said the chamber had been under development for two years and was proud to finally launch it.

At the time of the event, Small Business Minister Stella Ndabeni Abrahams endorsed this initiative and indicated that any initiative aimed at the upliftment of women's economic participation must be welcomed and supported.

Although there has been considerable effort, South African women still experience many similar challenges of gender-based violence, economic inequality, such as the pay gap difference between genders, high unemployment, and low participation in levels of leadership. Female-headed households also experience high levels of poverty.

Peer recognized these issues, stressing that the chamber will not only be concerned with business issues but also address social matters through specialized committees and projects.

Part of finances and membership dues will be allocated towards women-led projects with a view to bringing tangible outcomes.

As Peer describes, the chamber aims to create a vibrant and diverse community that fosters leadership across gender, geography, and generations, transcending advocacy to concrete action.