What Will It Take to Truly Empower Women in 2025?

That’s the critical question at the heart of Democracy Unplugged this August, as Podcast Party brings its flagship live-event series back to Cape Town. The distinguished panel – moderated by actor and outspoken GBV activist Siv Ngesi featuring DA’s Eleanore Spies, ANC’s Pat Lekker, entrepreneur and activist Rachel Kolisi and MOSAIC’s Ronel E Stevens, an organisation working to combat abuse and support survivors – unpack these critical issues.

This year, Women’s Month comes at a pivotal moment as South Africa assumes the G20 Presidency, with gender inclusion high on the agenda. Despite progress in policy and political representation, South Africa remains one of the most dangerous countries in the world to be a woman, with over one in three women (36%) having experienced violence, often at the hands of intimate partners. In addition, women are still underrepresented in leadership, underpaid at work, and experience health inequality and menstrual stigma.

In 2025, the stakes are too high for silence. While policies are in place and global platforms are echoing the right priorities, women in South Africa are still asking:

Are we doing enough?

Democracy Unplugged is Podcast Party’s flagship live event and podcast series. With rotating guest hosts, expert panels, and audience participation, it brings together diverse voices to debate South Africa’s most urgent challenges – openly, bravely, and constructively.

Since its inception ahead of the 2024 general elections, Podcast Party has evolved into an independent content platform, producing live events and current affairs podcasts that challenge, inform, and inspire. As we look ahead, we’re  committed to elevating more conversations that matter, and growing the impact of these shows as essential fixtures in South Africa’s media landscape.

Join the Party – podcastparty.co and @podcastpartysa on all social media channels

#WomensMonth2025
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Enquiries: contact@podcastparty.co.za