Women, youth, work, and the future of South Africa’s economy: the importance of postgraduate studies
By Prof Precious Mncayi-Makhanya
South Africa is confronted with three significant hurdles: pervasive poverty, stark inequality, and soaring unemployment, which is one of the highest in the world.
The country has been struggling to achieve the growth levels needed to lift millions of people out of poverty and reduce inequality and unemployment.
Despite its position as one of the most industrialised economies in Africa, growth remains slow and uneven.
The youth bear the brunt of unemployment, frequently finding themselves trapped in precarious and vulnerable employment.
A challenging reality that leaves them unable to secure stable employment.
Women, in particular, carry a double burden: they are more likely to be unemployed, earn less when they do find work, and take on more care responsibilities that limit their opportunities.
These realities not only undermine economic growth but also perpetuate poverty across generations, posing a significant threat to the country’s potential.
Yet, within this challenge lies an opportunity. If we can better equip graduates, especially women, with advanced skills, knowledge, and networks, South Africa can unlock the full potential of its workforce and make meaningful progress toward achieving Sustainable Development Goals 1 (No Poverty) and 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
Why women and the youth?
Evidence consistently shows that when the economic inclusion of women is advanced and they participate meaningfully in the labour market, households and communities benefit.
For example, women’s earnings are more often invested in children’s nutrition, education, and well-being, yielding benefits beyond measure.
But barriers remain; for example, female graduates still face wage penalties, slow career progression, and limited access to leadership roles.
Young people are not better off as they face entry barriers into the labour market that limit their opportunities.
Moreover, since young people represent the upcoming generation of economic and social contributors, failing to invest in and equip them effectively now could lead to costly repercussions later.
These inequities are unjust and economically inefficient. By not fully utilizing the potential of women and young people, South Africa misses out on substantial productivity and innovation.
Postgraduate study as part of the solution
Postgraduate education can serve as a critical lever for empowerment, enabling women and marginalised groups to gain specialised skills and credentials that enhance their employability and capacity to contribute to the economy, which is essential for fostering inclusive growth and addressing the skills gap in the labour market.
At the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences (FEMS) at North-West University, we not only teach theory; we train leaders, analysts, and problem-solvers.
According to the World Economic Forum’s 2025 Future of Jobs report, while 92 million jobs are expected to be displaced by 2030, an additional 170 million jobs will also be created.
This indicates that upskilling and reskilling will be essential and will demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning.
This is where postgraduate education becomes crucial, offering:
- Advanced skills for complex problems, especially since employers increasingly seek graduates who can think critically, analyse data, and design innovative solutions.
- Impactful research where postgraduate students contribute to real-world issues, from improving graduate employability to shaping labour policies that can assist in closing gender gaps, among other socio-economic challenges.
- Network and mentorship opportunities by connecting students with academics and industry partners that can create pathways to possibilities.
- Global competitiveness in a world of rapid technological change and shifting labour markets.
A large part of my own research is focused on graduate employment, youth labour markets, and how labour market outcomes and other factors intersect to shape poverty.
The evidence is clear: education matters, but its returns are uneven. Without deliberate efforts to improve employability and address structural inequalities, too many graduates, especially women, remain excluded from decent work and are overly represented in vulnerable employment.
Many young graduates remain vulnerable to unemployment and underemployment.
Postgraduate studies provide the tools to confront these realities.
They empower graduates not only to secure better employment for themselves but also to generate solutions that uplift others.
Postgraduate training equips graduates to create solutions, whether in policy, business, or community contexts.
Postgraduate students drive change by designing fair workplace policies, fostering entrepreneurship, and informing government policies.
As South Africa works to reduce poverty and create inclusive growth, the role of skilled, innovative and socially conscious graduates cannot be overstated.
Postgraduate education is not a luxury; it is a necessity for a country determined to harness the potential of its youth and women.
Certainly, the path is difficult, yet the benefits are significant: personal development, career progression, and the chance to create a meaningful influence.
To redefine work for young people and women’s roles in South Africa, pursue postgraduate studies at NWU.
In particular, becoming a part of our faculty (FEMS) means you will not simply earn a degree; you will be positioning yourself to influence the future direction of South Africa’s economy and society at large.
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