In a world where headlines are often dominated by GDPs, boardroom deals and billion-dollar valuations, the truth is often overlooked: the real economy is powered by women. It is driven by the caregivers, teachers, domestic workers, nurses, and everyday champions whose labour often unpaid or underpaid is the invisible thread that holds our communities together.
Eleve Magazine is proud to stand alongside The Real Economy — Care is Capital, a bold and transformative campaign that is challenging what counts as value in society. As South Africa takes centre stage on the global economic stage, holding the G20 Presidency and hosting the Women 20 (W20) anniversary, a powerful message is being broadcast across Africa and beyond: care is capital and it must be recognised, funded and celebrated as such.
This pan-African movement, led by Crtve Development and supported by voices across sectors and borders, is reframing how we define progress. It places care, safety and financial inclusion at the heart of economic planning, pushing for the adoption of the Johannesburg Goals — ambitious targets that seek to cut gender gaps in employment, pay and unpaid care by 35% by 2035. These are not just lofty ideals; they are urgent necessities.At the core of this campaign is Faces of the Real Economy, a stunning photographic and film series by acclaimed artist Tatenda Chidora. This collection pays homage to the women and men who form the backbone of society. From nannies and nurses to teachers and entrepreneurs, their work too often goes unacknowledged in traditional economic metrics, yet it is foundational to any thriving nation.
Eleve Magazine celebrates these trailblazers: Dr. Katlego Lekalakala, who merges healthcare with advocacy; Candice Chirwa, whose work in menstrual health education is keeping girls in school; and Desiree Ellis, who has inspired a generation of young women through football. These women, among many others, represent a new model of leadership one grounded in care, courage and community.
The campaign is not just a celebration it’s a call to action. As we move toward the first Real Economy Summit in 2026, the world must take stock of what truly sustains us. If we are to build inclusive, resilient societies, we must invest in the people who make them possible.
Women’s empowerment is not a side issue. It is the centre of everything. And Eleve Magazine is honoured to be part of a movement that is not only telling these stories but changing the story altogether.
Care is capital. Women are the economy. Let’s start recognising them as such.
By: Mpumi Brown
Photography: Tatenda Chidora.
