The Young Women for Life Movement has launched an ambitious new initiative aimed at putting gender justice and economic empowerment at the centre of local government. As part of its ongoing work to tackle gender-based violence (GBV) and uplift women in marginalised communities, the movement is hosting a series of webinars across various provinces, bringing together young women aspirant ward councillor candidates to share their plans for creating safer, more equitable communities.
The webinars, which will run throughout the election period, are designed to give young women leaders a platform to articulate how they intend to address some of the most pressing issues facing women in South Africa today — including GBV, unemployment, and women’s exclusion from the township economy.
“Our goal is to amplify the voices of young women leaders and ensure that the issues that matter most to women are front and centre in local government,” said a spokesperson for Young Women for Life. “Too often, political conversations ignore the realities of women’s lives. We want to change that by creating a space where young women can speak for themselves, share solutions, and shape the agenda.”
The movement sees these webinars as a critical intervention in a political landscape that remains heavily male-dominated. While women make up more than half of South Africa’s population, they are still underrepresented in local government structures — particularly young women from townships and rural areas. By providing a platform for aspirant councillors, the initiative aims to not only boost visibility but also foster accountability and collaboration between future leaders and the communities they hope to serve.
Participants are expected to tackle tough questions about how they would address gender-based violence, which remains at crisis levels across South Africa. They will also discuss their strategies for job creation, especially for young women who continue to face disproportionate levels of unemployment. A major focus will be on how to enable women to participate more actively in the township economy — from supporting women-owned small businesses to pushing for municipal policies that prioritise local economic development.
“This is about reimagining leadership from the ground up,” said one of the organisers. “We want ward councillors who understand that tackling GBV isn’t just about policing — it’s about transforming the social and economic conditions that make women vulnerable in the first place. It’s about creating opportunities, building safe spaces, and ensuring that women have a stake in their local economies.”
The webinars also serve as an educational platform, allowing community members, activists, and voters to engage directly with candidates. By fostering open dialogue, Young Women for Life hopes to strengthen democratic participation and encourage more young women to see themselves as future leaders.
The movement believes that local government is a key site for change, where policies that directly impact women’s safety, livelihoods, and economic opportunities are implemented. And with women often at the forefront of grassroots activism but absent from decision-making tables, initiatives like this are essential for shifting the balance of power.
“Women are already leading in their communities — they’re organising against violence, starting businesses, and caring for families,” said the spokesperson. “It’s time that leadership is recognised in our political institutions too.”
As the webinars continue across provinces, Young Women for Life hopes they will do more than just spark conversations — they aim to build a new generation of young women leaders committed to justice, equality, and transformation at the local level.
