President Cyril Ramaphosa opened the International Women’s Forum Global Cornerstone Conference at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on 6 November 2025, celebrating women’s leadership and urging collaboration to advance equality and inclusion. His address emphasized Ubuntu a shared humanity that binds communities together.
Their Story
Ramaphosa welcomed delegates from around the world, including IWF Global President Kimberly Cooper, CEO Stephanie O’Keefe, and South Africa’s IWF President Nolitha Fakude.
He praised women who have “transformed adversity into opportunity,” acknowledging their resilience in the face of systemic discrimination.
The President linked the forum’s work to South Africa’s G20 Presidency themes Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability showcasing the nation’s global leadership on gender and social inclusion.
The Occasion
The President noted the release of the first G20 Report on Global Inequality, led by Nobel Laureate Professor Joseph Stiglitz. The report revealed that between 2000 and 2024, the world’s wealthiest 1% gained 41% of all new wealth, while the poorest half received only 1%.
“These inequalities,” Ramaphosa warned, “deepen gender gaps and limit women’s progress in education, leadership, and pay equity.”
He also referred to the G20 Ministers’ Meeting on Women’s Empowerment held earlier in Gauteng, which focused on expanding access to finance, promoting the care economy, and ending gender-based violence and femicide.
Community Reactions
Delegates from business, academia, and government commended South Africa’s leadership in pushing women’s empowerment to the center of the global agenda.
The President’s message of Ubuntu “I am because we are” resonated deeply, reminding participants that progress depends on shared responsibility.
“When women rise, societies rise with them,” he declared, urging leaders to act boldly against inequality.
The conference closed with a renewed call to transform policy, strengthen institutions, and ensure that every woman can reach her full potential.
Key Takeaways
- President Ramaphosa emphasized Ubuntu as a foundation for global cooperation and equality.
- The IWF conference aligns with South Africa’s G20 agenda of solidarity, equality, and sustainability.
- The new G20 inequality report underscores the urgency of closing gender gaps worldwide.
