The Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, will represent South Africa at the Copenhagen Summit on Gender Equality and Women’s and Girls’ Rights, taking place in Copenhagen, Denmark, from 16 to 17 November 2026.
“South Africa’s participation reaffirms the country’s commitment to gender equality, human rights, dignity and non-discrimination, as enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.
“It also provides an opportunity to strengthen international partnerships, exchange policy expertise and mobilise collective action towards addressing persistent structural inequalities affecting women and girls,” the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) said in a statement.
The Summit will bring together political leaders, governments, civil society organisations, international institutions and development partners to strengthen global cooperation and accelerate progress towards gender equality and the realisation of women’s and girls’ rights.
South Africa’s gender equality agenda is anchored in a whole-of-government and whole-of society approach, recognising that meaningful transformation requires coordinated interventions across government departments, civil society, the private sector, organised labour, communities and international development partners.
South Africa’s gender equality agenda is anchored in a whole-of-government and whole-of society approach, recognising that meaningful transformation requires coordinated interventions across government departments, civil society, the private sector, organised labour, communities and international development partners.
Key national priorities include accelerating efforts to end gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), advancing women’s economic empowerment and financial inclusion, strengthening access to sexual and reproductive health and rights, increasing women’s representation in leadership and decision-making, promoting gender-responsive budgeting; and protecting and advancing the rights of all women and girls, particularly those experiencing multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination.
"The Government continues to prioritise the implementation of policies, legislation and institutional mechanisms that advance substantive gender equality. These include the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, the National Policy Framework on Women’s Economic Empowerment and Gender Equality, and the broader national development agenda aimed at building an inclusive society in which women and girls can participate meaningfully in all spheres of life," the department said.
The Minister said gender equality cannot remain an aspiration expressed in international declarations; it must translate into tangible improvements in the everyday lives of women and girls.
"This requires political leadership, sustained investment, effective legislation and accountability across all sectors of society," said Chikunga.
According to the department, the Copenhagen Summit presents an important opportunity to strengthen global solidarity, share experiences and build partnerships that can accelerate progress. It added that South Africa remains committed to working with international partners to advance the rights, empowerment and leadership of all women and girls, leaving no one behind.
The DWYPD continues to provide strategic leadership and coordination in advancing the national gender equality agenda, working with relevant government institutions and social partners to strengthen implementation, accountability and monitoring of commitments.
Minister Chikunga’s participation in the Summit underscores South Africa’s continued engagement in international efforts to advance gender equality and its commitment to translating global commitments into meaningful national action. – SAnews.gov.za
