Women entrepreneurs who exhibited at the inaugural EmpowerHer Market Trade Fair say the initiative has delivered more than just visibility, creating tangible business opportunities, boosting sales and connecting small enterprises directly with customers.
Launched at the Durban Olive Convention Centre on 1 August, the trade fair formed part of a collaborative effort between government and the private sector to advance women's economic empowerment by creating market access for women-owned businesses.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities in partnership with Absa, was officially launched by the Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, during the official opening of the 2026 Women's Month programme.
Observed under the theme: "Empowered Women Empower the Nation", this year's Women's Month focuses on strengthening women's participation in the economy and expanding opportunities for women-owned enterprises.
Addressing delegates, Chikunga said women entrepreneurs continue to face structural barriers that limit their ability to start, sustain and grow their businesses.
These include limited access to markets, procurement opportunities, finance, investment, business development support, technology, information, networks and supply chains.
She said the EmpowerHer Market Trade Fair was established to bridge the gap between women entrepreneurs and viable markets by connecting women-owned businesses with buyers, investors, government departments, corporates, financial institutions and enterprise development partners.
"We aim to move beyond showcasing products towards actual commercial transactions, investment, procurement opportunities, business partnerships and long-term market linkages.
"This trade fair is not merely an exhibition – it is an economic empowerment and market access intervention. It seeks to unlock business opportunities, investment, enterprise growth, job creation and sustainable economic empowerment," Chikunga said.
In addition to exhibiting their products and services, entrepreneurs participated in business pitch sessions, procurement engagements, finance and development finance discussions, and business support clinics designed to help expand their enterprises.
Among the exhibitors was Gogo Nomangungu, founder of Sangoma Diaries, whose stand was visited by the Minister during her walkabout.
Nomangungu said the trade fair had exceeded her expectations, generating strong sales of her complementary herbal medicines and organic skincare products.
"By opening this women's trade fair, we made serious sales today. Our businesses are growing because customers are buying directly from us. I'm very grateful to the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities for creating this opportunity," she said.
She said initiatives that connect entrepreneurs directly with consumers can play a significant role in helping small businesses grow.
Nomangungu also welcomed the platform for promoting indigenous knowledge systems and locally manufactured products, noting that the trade fair demonstrated how government-supported market access initiatives to advance women's economic empowerment.
The trade fair forms part of government's broader efforts to improve women's participation in the economy by creating opportunities for women-owned businesses to access new markets, establish business partnerships and engage with potential investors and customers.
South Africa commemorates Women's Month every August in honour of the more than 20 000 women who marched to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956 in protest against the extension of pass laws to women. National Women's Day is observed annually on 9 August. – SAnews.gov.za
