G20 Parliamentarians Put Spotlight on Gender Equality and Youth in South Africa

In the coastal town of Kleinmond, the global conversation on politics, equality, and the future of democracy found a new stage. Ahead of the G20 Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit, women and young MPs from across the world gathered in South Africa for two days of debate that pulled no punches on gender parity, youth empowerment, and climate justice.

Breaking the Cycle of Inequality

Ambassador Anda Filip of the Inter-Parliamentary Union set the tone with stark numbers: women make up only 27 percent of parliamentarians worldwide and just 22 percent of parliamentary speakers. Beyond statistics, she reminded delegates that many women MPs endure discrimination, harassment, and even violence. For her, achieving parity is not a luxury but a necessity for legitimacy and effective governance.

Filip’s address echoed a broader truth: parliaments that reflect the diversity of society deliver better outcomes for citizens. When women and youth are absent from policymaking, decisions risk becoming disconnected from the realities people live with every day.

[IN PICTURES] Delegates attending the 2nd #P20 Meeting of Women Parliamentarians in Cape Town. The meeting forms part of the historic first #P20 held in the African continent #P20SouthAfrica 🇿🇦#G20SouthAfrica 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/t5PkUMnOJm

P20SouthAfrica (@P20_SouthAfrica) September 29, 2025

Delegates arriving for the 2nd #P20 Meeting of Women Parliamentarians and the #P20 Young Parliamentarians Conference in Cape Town #P20SouthAfrica 🇿🇦#G20SouthAfrica 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/8Y6UhQA2mu

P20SouthAfrica (@P20_SouthAfrica) September 29, 2025

South Africa’s Voice

Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga, representing women, youth, and people with disabilities in the Presidency, linked the gender debate to South Africa’s lived experience. She warned that climate change is intensifying inequalities, pointing to floods in KwaZulu-Natal and extreme heat impacts on pregnant women. Her message was blunt: science and humanity lose when women are excluded from climate and energy decision-making.

Chikunga cited the UN’s 2024 SDG Progress Report, where only 15.4 percent of gender equality indicators are on track to be met by 2030. She called for dismantling entrenched power structures rather than relying on piecemeal reforms.

A Country Still Healing

At the P20 Young Parliamentarians Conference, National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza reflected on South Africa’s own divisions. She reminded delegates that while the nation showcases impressive development, underdeveloped communities remain a stark reminder of inequality’s legacy. Her commitment, she said, was to use South Africa’s G20 chairmanship to push solidarity, equality, and sustainability onto the global stage.

Young MPs, including former IPU youth forum chair Dan Carden, reinforced the urgency of genuine youth participation. They argued that the past 15 years have proven solutions exist, but without political will, they remain promises on paper. The conference, they said, should serve as a launchpad for concrete change.

Why It Matters

Hosting the P20 in South Africa is more than symbolic. It highlights the country’s role as both a leader and a case study in tackling inequality. With elections, economic struggles, and climate shocks shaping national debates, the themes of representation and justice resonate deeply with local communities.

Delegates participating during the first session of the #P20 Young Parliamentarians Conference #P20SouthAfrica 🇿🇦#G20SouthAfrica 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/azH4GkAfTZ

— P20SouthAfrica (@P20_SouthAfrica) September 29, 2025

Globally, the message from Kleinmond was equally powerful: true democracy cannot flourish if women remain sidelined and young people excluded. For the G20, one of the most influential gatherings in the world, the call was clear. Gender equality and youth inclusion are not side issues. They are the foundation of sustainable economies and stable societies.

Also read: ‘I Don’t Listen to Julius Malema,’ Gayton McKenzie Rejects Parliamentary Call

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Source: IOL

Featured Image: X (formerly known Twitter)/@DIRCO_ZA