South African Women Don’t Lack Ambition — They Lack Access to Succeed | Her Impact

Ambition is abundant among South African women — yet far too often, that ambition stops short of influence, scale, and sustained success. Across townships, cities, and rural communities, women are launching businesses, driving innovation, and contributing to economic growth. But the missing ingredient in so many success stories isn’t talent — it’s access: access to capital, access to meaningful networks, access to digital tools, and access to support systems that convert determination into measurable Her Impact.

Ambition Is There — Opportunity Isn’t Always

Data shows that entrepreneurial ambition among South African women is strong. A recent study found that 57% of women identify themselves as business owners or aspiring entrepreneurs, which is above the regional average in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Women are starting businesses across sectors such as online retail, food and drink, and services. Mastercard

Yet barriers remain stark. Nearly half (44%) of women cite lack of funding as a key obstacle, followed closely by a lack of financial resources, fear of failure, and limited confidence in business planning. Mastercard, these challenges reflect real gaps in access — not ambition.

The Digital Divide: Promise Meets Persistent Barriers

Digital platforms are powerful gateways to markets, networks, and capital. More women in South Africa than ever before have integrated digital tools — including online payment systems and social media — into their businesses. Mastercard

However, digital inclusion remains uneven. Women, particularly in rural and township settings, still face affordability and connectivity challenges that limit consistent internet access and full participation in the digital economy. Studies show that unequal outcomes persist even when devices and connectivity exist, because institutional structures and social norms continue to limit women’s economic gains from digital engagement. Frontiers

This digital gap isn’t simply about technology — it’s about opportunity. Without reliable digital access, women entrepreneurs miss out on e‑commerce, digital payments, customer engagement, training resources, and access to formal credit histories that lenders require.

Funding Gaps: A Structural Barrier to Growth

Across South Africa, women founders struggle to secure funding at the same rates as their male counterparts. Mastercard research revealed that 57% of female entrepreneurs had difficulty securing funding, compared with 45% of men. Mastercard

Globally, this trend is mirrored: less than a fraction of venture capital historically goes to women‑led businesses, and women–owned ventures often receive a disproportionally small share of investment dollars. This isn’t about lack of ideas — it’s about unequal access to capital systems built around exclusionary networks. Vogue

When funding decisions are made within closed networks or without gender‑aware criteria, women founders miss opportunities to scale, innovate, and compete in high‑growth sectors.

Real Stories, Real Impact

Think of entrepreneurs in Alexandra township who use mobile connectivity to transition from cash‑only models into mobile money and digital platforms — expanding reach, improving financial records, and finally qualifying for formal credit. In doing so, these women increase household income, create jobs, and re‑invest in community wellbeing. Mzansi Comnet

Or consider the broader picture: Black women — who form the majority of women‑led businesses in South Africa — are reshaping local economies. They operate across service and tech sectors, creating jobs and contributing significantly to GDP, even as capital‑intensive industries remain harder to penetrate. SASDC

These stories show that when access increases, impact follows — from financial independence to community upliftment.

Networks, Mentorship, and Support Systems

Access isn’t solely financial or digital — it’s also relational. Mentorship, peer networks, and gender‑specific support programs help women refine business plans, access markets, and navigate regulatory hurdles. Yet many support spaces remain male‑dominated or lack gender‑sensitive design, making it harder for women to thrive. IOL

When mentorship is abundant and networks inclusive, women start businesses with stronger foundations, achieve better growth outcomes, and contribute significantly to economic diversity — all key elements of Her Impact.

Bridging the Gap for Her Impact

South African women do not lack ambition — they lack equitable access to the tools, networks, and capital that would enable their ideas to scale. Ambition becomes transformation when it meets access.

To unlock Her Impact, we need strategic interventions:

• Gender‑aware financing and investment models

• Affordable digital infrastructure and skills training

• Inclusive mentorship and networking ecosystems

• Policies designed around the lived realities of women in business

These are not abstract goals — they are essential steps toward economic transformation that values and leverages the impact women entrepreneurs already bring to the table.

Ambition without access is like talent without stage. Let’s build ecosystems that don’t just admire ambition — they empower it. Support gender‑inclusive funding, invest in digital equity, mentor emerging women founders, and create platforms that elevate Her Impact.

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