Young women in South Africa continue to face gender-specific challenges as they navigate their careers and lifestyles. With ambition and resilience, they are eager to create paths that match their dreams, but face obstacles that hold them back.
In many sectors – like technology, finance, and healthcare – there’s a noticeable skills shortage. For example, the ICT sector alone is short about 77 000 skilled workers. This gap means that even with education, young women often struggle to find suitable jobs. The unemployment rate for young women in South Africa is alarmingly high, which reflects both gender biases and broader economic issues.
One major hurdle is the lack of alignment between what tertiary education institutions teach and what employers need. Many graduates enter the workforce with qualifications that don’t match current job requirements. This disconnect can lead to underemployment and missed opportunities in critical sectors.
In recent years, initiatives like EDHE (https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrepreneurship-development-in-higher-education-edhe/) EDHE have aimed to promote entrepreneurship as a viable career option. While young women remain underrepresented in business, there’s a growing interest in starting their own ventures. Many are looking to leverage their skills while balancing other responsibilities, such as raising children or caring for elders. This shift should encourage innovation, but mostly it leads to the creation of new job opportunities within communities.
Another exciting path (one that Talita Clarke explored) is the experience economy, which focuses on creating memorable experiences rather than simply climbing the corporate ladder. Careers in this field can include roles like adventure instructors, tour guides, or positions in hospitality and tourism. Those working in this sector aim to enrich their own and other’s lives through unique interactions, turning work into a source of joy and learning rather than just a source of income.
As young women explore these avenues – whether through entrepreneurship or the experience economy – they can better navigate today’s world of work while addressing the skills gap in Africa. However, women-friendly support systems must be in place - like flexible work arrangements, mentorship, and accessible training opportunities – to help young women thrive in a country where gender-based violence remains a serious issue.
At AfraLead, we’re dedicated to seeing young women equipped to pursue pathways to economic participation that are realistic and accessible regardless of their circumstances. By partnering with employers and educators to break down barriers and create supportive environments for women, we can help them discover career paths that position them for success on their own terms.
#ListLiving #ExperienceEconomy #WomenEmpowerment #EconomicEmpowerment
