JOHANNESBURG -  "Education has a tremendous multiplier effect that brings lasting benefits to individuals and communities," she said at the annual Progressive Women in Business Summit in Midrand, according to remarks prepared for delivery.

"As I've said, education is critical. Girls love going to school and are good at it."

Motshekga said while much had been achieved since the dawn of democracy, more could be done to emancipate women in South Africa and the world.

According to The World Revolution's website, worldrevolution.org, women still accounted for two-thirds of the world's illiterate adults, and girls for two-thirds of the world's children without access to education.

Motshekga said women played "a pivotal role" in bringing freedom and a society free of poverty. Women contributed to the economy through paid and unpaid work at home, in the community and the workplace.

She saluted struggle stalwart Charlotte Maxeke, the founder of the Bantu Women's League, a precursor of the African National Congress Women's League, describing her as a "a woman of substance".

Motshekga congratulated Home Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma on her election as chairwoman of the African Union Commission.

"We will empower women to the extent that we strengthen measures for tackling gender-based violence and abuse.

"We need law reform on bail and sentencing, legal literacy and more access to the courts," Motshekga said.

She urged women in business to help bring other women up the corporate ladder.

"Do not pull the ladder. Extend it. Open windows of opportunity for others."