Guest: Grace Matlhape 

The high unemployment rate in South Africa is a reflection of idle assets - young people with ambition and potential. There are barriers that limit access to even training young people (#feesmustfall), however SmartStart is a social enterprise that recognises this challenge as an opportunity to address the needs in the early learning.  SmartStart enjoys partnerships that unlock opportunities for children and parents who work in the sector. In addition, Grace and Rebecca Hickman wrote an article about gender disparities affecting women - in a country where 38%-45% of households are headed by women. The gender disparities affect women even at an entry level, meaning women are often excluded from entering the labour market due to challenges in accessing childcare. 

Article can be accessed here: https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2020-08-27-equality-for-women-in-the-labour-market-relies-on-access-to-childcare/