​In a celebration of Women's Month, women in the Department gathered on Wednesday, 20 August 2025, for an enriching event that honoured their significant contributions to society and recognized their role in national transformation and socio-economic development.
Hosted at ANEW Hotel in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, the event emphasized the necessity of empowering women as a foundation for building a stronger economy.

Under the theme “Building Resilient Economies for All”, this year’s programme featured discussions and workshops aimed at equipping women with essential skills. Local service providers were also invited to share insights on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, highlighting that physical and mental well-being are integral to empowerment.

Director for Gender, Youth and Disability Mainstreaming, Phumla Xaba opened the event by sharing the purpose of the commemoration. In a light-hearted gesture, she swapped her usual work attire for a cowboy hat, infusing a fun and spirited energy into the celebration. She explained that the Department has established the Departmental Women’s Development Forum (DWDF) through the Gender, Youth, and Disability Directorate to support female employees through mentorship and career guidance,

“Today is about lifting each other up and taking care of our mental health while having fun,” she said.

Diana Monama, a Clinical Psychologist from the Gauteng Department of Social Development, also addressed the gathering. She spoke on the pervasive issue of economic exploitation, emphasizing that women are often vulnerable within relationships where unequal power dynamics lead to the misuse of financial resources and labour.

“Relationships should empower, not exploit. It’s crucial to recognize and challenge the abuse of power that leads to financial and emotional exploitation, particularly among women,” Monama said.

The Women’s Month celebration served as a reminder of the collective responsibility to create supportive and empowering environments. As much as progress has been made, the journey ahead requires a renewed commitment to ensuring that women are equipped with the skills and support needed to thrive in every aspect of life. Together, we can build a more resilient and equitable economy for all.