The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities was allocated R2.2 billion for the 2026/27 financial year to advance the economic empowerment and inclusion of women, youth and persons with disabilities. Of this amount, R1.8 billion was allocated to the National Youth Development Agency to expand programmes focused on youth entrepreneurship, employment pathways, skills development and paid service opportunities. Additional allocations include R241 million for departmental operations, R111 million for the Commission for Gender Equality, and R46.5 million for the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide. These resources will support policy implementation, legislation, advocacy, monitoring, evaluation, research, coordination and partnerships across government and society.

Cabinet approved the implementation of a Socio-Economic Empowerment of Women Index to serve as an annual scorecard measuring women’s socio-economic empowerment and participation in decision-making structures. The index assesses indicators across social, economic and decision-making dimensions, including labour market participation, access to resources, ownership of firms and representation in leadership positions. The initiative is intended to strengthen evidence-based policymaking and accountability for women’s economic inclusion and gender equality.