Across many factors which affect work-seeking, women are already starting from a position of disadvantage; without focused attention, they could fall further behind. Women experience the additional burden of caregiving due to social pressure and norms; 62% of NEET young women are inactive because of caregiving responsibilities. As the economy has begun to reopen after an economic lockdown caused by the pandemic, women have also struggled more than men to resume economic activity, largely due to the extended closure of schools and the additional burden of childcare.

This learning brief provides an overview of Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator’s learnings on gender inequality from nine years of work in the South African labour market. Harambee has gained a deep understanding of system-level constraints for young women work-seekers, including issues around education, access, policies, mental models, safety, and more.