This is How a Group of South African Women Started And Grew Their Own Business
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To support the growth and development of women entrepreneurs and curb the high unemployment rate in South Africa, Mastercard funded two entrepreneurial development programmes in 2021 that have seen more than 180 young women gain entrepreneurial skills to start or grow their own businesses.
Facilitated by non-profit organisation Junior Achievement (JA) South Africa, the programmes combined market-relevant skills training, mentorship, and access to micro-finance to help young women better their lives, transition to sustainable livelihoods, and play an enlarged role in South Africa’s economic recovery.
While South Africa’s unemployment rate increased to 34.9% in the third quarter of 2021, research shows that unemployment among women – particularly black women – remains continually higher than men. Over 96% of the women in this year’s programmes are young black females between the ages of 18 and 35.
Facilitated by non-profit organisation Junior Achievement (JA) South Africa, the programmes combined market-relevant skills training, mentorship, and access to micro-finance to help young women better their lives, transition to sustainable livelihoods, and play an enlarged role in South Africa’s economic recovery.
While South Africa’s unemployment rate increased to 34.9% in the third quarter of 2021, research shows that unemployment among women – particularly black women – remains continually higher than men. Over 96% of the women in this year’s programmes are young black females between the ages of 18 and 35.