What happens when girls get equal opportunities?
Stats SA figures show young women continue to face higher rates of disengagement from employment, education and training than young men.
When young women and girls gain equal opportunities, their lives transform. In the first quarter of 2026, the unemployment rate among South African young women reached 39.2%, a 1.7 percentage point increase from the previous year, compared to a 0.7 percentage point decline among young men. Siphokazi, a former participant of Safe-Hub, illustrates the potential of equal opportunities.
After failing Matric, becoming a mother, and facing unemployment, she pursued qualifications in sports administration and refereeing, ultimately becoming a national coordinator for after-school programs. Safe-Hub, a social enterprise, empowers young people through sport, providing personal development, life skills, and academic support.
However, access to sport and opportunities can be gendered, with boys often having more access to facilities, equipment, and competitive chances. Safe-Hub addresses these challenges by creating safe spaces for girls, offering structured participation in sport, learning, and personal development. Women hold 61% of Safe-Hub staff positions, including 55% of management and 47% of senior leadership roles.
As of 2026, women and girls make up 64% of participants in Safe-Hub programs, demonstrating the impact of equal opportunities in creating role models and transforming the future for young women and girls.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
