Mbabane – The Central Bank of Eswatini has called for greater recognition of women’s role in the country’s economic development. This was said on Friday by Deputy Governor Felicia Dlamini Kunene during the launch of the UNESWA Economics Society Mentorship Programme at the University of Eswatini.
The mentorship programme, held under the theme “Trailblazers in Economics: Driving Innovation and a Sustainable Future”, seeks to inspire students while creating a platform where young economists can learn from experienced professionals.
Dlamini Kunene told students and guests that for many years women’s contributions to the economy were invisible, though they were central as farmers, traders, entrepreneurs and family managers. She explained that their labour was often labelled unpaid and excluded from formal economic discussions despite its value. 
She noted that when women are included in decision making, they transform the discussions by introducing new ideas and perspectives. She further explained that sustainable development in Eswatini depended on three areas where women play a key role. These include financial inclusion and literacy, green innovation and climate resilience, as well as the power of education and mentorship.
