Dr. Precious Mncayi-Makhanya
Dr. Precious Mncayi-Makhanya is a development economist at North-West University.
Her research explores how poverty, employment, and education are connected across different age groups and what is needed to build a more inclusive and equitable society.
Dr. Precious Mncayi-Makhanya says: “Key policy interventions like the expansion of the social wage (including the SRD grant), investment in early childhood development, and the enforcement of employment equity legislation have had notable impacts on women’s economic inclusion.
“However, cultural shifts have been equally significant, particularly the growing public discourse on gender-based violence and gender pay gaps, which is prompting institutional introspection and slow shifts in workplace culture.
“Labour unions and civil society have also played a role in spotlighting women’s workplace rights, though implementation remains uneven.”
Precious’s under-reported topic that needs attention is:
The economic vulnerability of older people, particularly women, who are often engaged in unpaid caregiving or informal work.
Their contributions, especially within households and communities, are frequently overlooked in economic data and policy responses, leaving them at heightened risk of poverty in old age.
