Sophie de Bruyn calls for action against gender-based violence, recalling the 1956 women's march

During the Women's Day celebration at the Union building, Sophie de Bruyn, a staunch fighter against the struggle, sharply criticized the issue of gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa. She recalled the power of a unified, silent protest that took place on August 9, 1956, and expressed hope that future generations could live without the triple burden of racial, class, and gender oppression.

More than 20,000 women participated in that march, which represented the diversity of the country, submitting petitions with over 100,000 signatures to protest the pass laws associated with apartheid. De Bruyn noted that the freedom they fought for turned into a bitter paradox, as women today find themselves imprisoned in their own homes despite past victories.

She emphasized that gender-based violence continues to blight society, and she mourns daily for the girls, daughters, mothers, and grandmothers who suffer violence, rights violations, and silence. De Bruyn reminded that the fight was waged to dismantle systems of oppression against women based on race, class, and gender.

Addressing officials, politicians, and high-ranking figures, she demanded that their victims not be in vain. She called for the eradication of corruption, the protection of women, the provision for children, the presence of a moral compass, and courage in leadership, comparing this to the bravery of 1956.

To citizens, especially women, she urged them to take to the streets again, but this time not against pass laws, but against crime, insecurity, poverty, corruption, unemployment, homelessness, violence, and many other problems limiting the future, safety, freedom, and well-being.

De Bruyn added that the fire ignited in 1956 cannot be extinguished. Young women must defend their rights, use their voice, fight for their future, and resist violence and poverty just as they fought against apartheid.

The Gender Equality Commission (CGE) and the KZN Network on Violence Against Women supported De Bruyn's sentiments regarding GBV. Commission Chairperson Mfundu Nomvungu stated that society lacks the necessary anger to hold SAPS, the National Prosecuting Authority, and the criminal justice cluster accountable. He praised the justice system for recent convictions but noted that significant progress is required.

Nomvungu also noted that the statement calls on the government to take measures to combat gender-based violence, and he welcomed the appointment of the president of the National Council on Gender-Based Violence, but insisted on the full funding of this council to achieve visible results.

Executive Director of the KZN Network on Violence Against Women, Cookie Edwards, suggested that GBV is perceived as normal in many communities. Edwards explained that domestic violence is a silent war, and the domestic abuse suffered by many women in silence must be eliminated.

She urged women to overcome silence and speak up, but pointed out the lack of resources to help these women leave toxic relationships. Edwards stressed the need to train more GBV survivors, provide them with employment, and, most importantly, housing. She also highlighted shortcomings in the provision of gender-based violence services, noting that the First Pillar of the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence prioritizes accountability, requiring responsibility not only from the government and service providers but also from individuals.

iol.co.zaAugust 10, 11:16

Seventy Years After the Women's March, The Fight for Gender Equality in South Africa Continues

Seventy years after the 1956 Women's March, South African women continue to face challenges related to poverty, unemployment, gender-based violence, and unequal opportunities. The article asserts that achieving genuine gender equality requires broader economic empowerment, education, leadership opportunities, and more decisive action against gender-based violence.

Every August, South Africa commemorates the legacy of over 20,000 women who marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria on August 9, 1956. This act of resistance is considered one of the most significant in the country's history. These women of various races, many carrying infants on their backs, protested against pass laws that regulated not only their movement but also their dignity. They carried petitions, chanted, and declared with unwavering confidence: 'Wathint' Abafazi, Wathint' Imbokodo.'

The 1956 march serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made for freedom and the long-standing demand for equality even before it was enshrined in law. It highlighted that unity is the strongest counter to division, demonstrating the remarkable achievements possible when women unite.

Women of the past faced immense hardships and overcame countless obstacles, transforming their darkest days into a brighter future for coming generations. Their courage, resilience, and determination paved the way for the rights and opportunities many enjoy today.

The Unfinished Journey to Equality

Today, 70 years later, their footsteps still resonate in our national consciousness. Although the country has made significant strides in advancing women's rights since the advent of democracy, many women continue to encounter systemic barriers to full participation in society and the economy. They are disproportionately affected by poverty, unemployment, gender-based violence, unequal access to opportunities, and underrepresentation in critical sectors. These issues serve as a stark reminder that the fight for gender equality is far from over and requires a collective commitment from all sectors of society.

Economic Empowerment is Crucial

At the heart of women's transformation lies economic empowerment. Despite numerous policy measures, unemployment, income inequality, and limited access to economic opportunities continue to disproportionately affect women. Many women-owned businesses still struggle to secure funding, procurement opportunities, and established supply chains. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen support mechanisms that enable women to fully participate in the economy through greater access to capital, markets, skills development, technology, and entrepreneurial support. Economic empowerment means much more than just earning higher wages; it signifies increased autonomy, independence for women, and their ability to influence economic outcomes.

Combating Gender-Based Violence

The government also recognizes that violence against women violates their dignity, safety, and constitutional rights, and hinders their full participation in societal life. Thus, combating gender-based violence has become a national priority. To demonstrate this commitment, President Cyril Ramaphosa recently established the first legislative National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide in South Africa, marking a major step forward in the country's fight against GBV. The Council will lead national initiatives aimed at strengthening prevention, supporting survivors, reinforcing law enforcement, and coordinating actions between government and civil society.

Education and Skills Open Doors

Education and skills development are equally vital in advancing women's empowerment. Quality education opens doors to employment, entrepreneurship, and leadership positions. More needs to be done to encourage girls and young women to study science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, as well as to expand access to vocational and digital skills. Through the Human Resources Development Council, we focus on gender-inclusive economic growth and skills development to combat unemployment, which disproportionately affects women. We address gender gaps through technical education, digital skills, and training in in-demand professional fields. However, policy measures alone will not suffice for long-term change. South African society must confront deeply rooted patriarchal attitudes and stereotypes that continue to shape the experiences of women.

Shifting Mindsets and Increasing Representation

Gender inequality is often rooted in homes, schools, workplaces, and communities where discriminatory beliefs and practices are normalized. To achieve significant transformation, cultural attitudes must shift with a greater emphasis on equality, mutual respect, and the fair distribution of roles and responsibilities between men and women. It is equally important to involve boys and young men as partners in promoting gender equality and building a society that respects both women and men. Furthermore, significant efforts are needed to increase the representation of women in leadership and decision-making roles. While progress has been made in political representation, women remain underrepresented in corporate leadership, entrepreneurship, and strategic economic sectors. Various organizations must also actively invest in mentorship, leadership development, and succession planning to ensure that more women occupy positions where they can influence policy, institutions, and economic outcomes.

Supporting Women Beyond the Workplace

The transformation of women also requires acknowledging the disproportionate burden of unpaid care work, which women often shoulder while balancing professional and caregiving duties without adequate support. Key measures include improving access to childcare, implementing family-friendly workplace policies, and ensuring a fairer distribution of caregiving responsibilities to allow women to participate in education, employment, and leadership. As a government, we are also addressing systemic barriers through targeted allocation in public procurement, specialized financial funds, and multi-sectoral partnerships. Key interventions include implementing a target of 40% preferential procurement for the public sector, utilizing special financing schemes such as the Isivande Women's Fund, and creating structured market fairs. Moreover, the EmpowerHer Market trade fair has been established to promote women-owned businesses, expand market access, and foster investment linkages. This initiative provides women with tangible pathways to enter supply chains, scale their businesses, and transform their communities.

The Work Continues

However, the story of women's transformation does not end here. Aluta continua. Real change is a process, not an event, and the path to full equality requires sustained and active participation. Government, business, civil society, traditional leaders, religious organizations, communities, and families all play a role in creating an environment where women can thrive. Ultimately, we must measure success by the degree to which every woman can live with dignity, safety, equality, and the freedom to realize her full potential. Only then will the vision of the women who marched in 1956 be fully realized.

iol.co.zaAugust 4, 20:41

Despite Progress, The Fight for Gender Equality in South Africa Continues Due to Systemic Issues

During Women's Month in South Africa, Telela Ngchentane-Vika and Rev Istoriya Seitisho analyze significant achievements in gender equality since the dismantling of apartheid, while simultaneously confronting the harsh reality of ongoing difficulties, including gender-based violence and systemic inequality.

Women's Month provides a powerful opportunity to reflect on the progress made since the abolition of apartheid: the constitution guarantees gender equality, women's representation in business and politics has increased, and the feminist movement is developing.

However, considering this process an unqualified success would be a dangerous oversimplification, as it risks obscuring the persistent problems faced by women in a country still grappling with deep inequalities and femicide.

The struggle for full emancipation must continue to avoid a colossal failure and betrayal of the women of the 1956 March, who bravely confronted Verwoerd and his apparatus. While celebrating Women's Month is important, politicians' rhetoric often masks the harsh reality.

Structural Barriers and Patriarchy

Although women hold positions in government, the corporate sector, and many spheres of life in South Africa, their opportunities are constrained by patriarchal structures in wider society. The 'glass ceiling,' though cracked, remains intact, evidenced by limited representation at the highest levels of power and the persistence of the wage gap across various sectors.

The fact that a woman has not become president after thirty years attests to the pervasive nature of patriarchy, which contradicts the narrative of empowerment and often ignores the intersectional nature of oppression and misogyny.

Women from all walks of life, especially Black women, bear the burden of unique and compounded forms of marginalization, rendering general statements about progress meaningless. A more pressing issue is the scourge of gender-based violence—an omnipresent shadow haunting South African society and standing in stark contrast to any celebration of achievements.

Shocking high rates of rape, domestic violence, and femicide demonstrate the fragility of legal protection and the deeply entrenched corruption permeating social structures. Although legislation such as the Domestic Violence Act exists, its implementation is extremely unsatisfactory due to resource shortages in the police, inefficient judicial processes, and a culture of impunity.

This persistent violence is not merely isolated incidents; it is a systemic failure requiring a radical overhaul of political will, social norms, and attitudes.

Economic Situation and the Need for Change

Economic empowerment, often presented as a key indicator of progress, presents a complex picture. While some women have achieved economic success, most remain in precarious employment, bearing a double burden due to low-paid work and unpaid domestic labor. The legacy of apartheid continues to manifest in sharp economic disparities based on race and class, disproportionately affecting women's access to resources, education, and opportunities.

Nevertheless, to truly mark Women's Month, it is necessary to move beyond celebratory rhetoric and confront uncomfortable truths. It requires acknowledging the unfinished business of gender equality, critically examining the systemic failures that perpetuate inequality, and demanding transformative change. Only then can we move away from a narrative of superficial progress and work towards a truly just future for all South African women.

The path from struggle to success requires not only gradual changes but also a fundamental and radical transformation of power structures and social norms. The fight continues—Aluta continua.