Seventy years after South Africa’s women’s march, the struggle is not over

Seventy years after thousands of women marched against apartheid's discriminatory pass laws, South Africa is commemorating the historic event, but the struggle for true equality persists. Sophie Williams-de Bruyn, who was 18 during the 1956 march, reflected on the changes and enduring challenges at the same grounds where the protest took place.

On August 9, 1956, about 20,000 women gathered in Pretoria to protest the extension of pass laws, which restricted the movement of Black South Africans, to women. The march became a pivotal moment in the liberation struggle, leading to the eventual dismantling of apartheid and the establishment of a democratic constitution guaranteeing equality.

While South Africa has seen significant progress, with women holding high offices and constitutional protections against discrimination, many women's lives have not seen corresponding improvements in security, economic opportunity, or public services. Williams-de Bruyn poignantly questioned, "How can we fully celebrate our past victories when our present reality is so deeply disappointing and distressful?"

“

How can we fully celebrate our past victories when our present reality is so deeply disappointing and distressful?

President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged the gains in women's political representation, education, and financial inclusion during Sunday's National Women's Day commemorations. However, he also pointed out the persistent economic disparities, stating, "Women are more than half of our population, but they do not yet hold an equal share of our country’s wealth, its land or its enterprises."

Campaigners like Cassandra Dorasamy of Amnesty International South Africa echo this sentiment, noting that while representation has increased in Parliament and corporate structures, the daily lives of the majority of women have not significantly improved. The legacy of the 1956 march continues to inspire, but the fight for substantive equality remains a central challenge.

“

Women are more than half of our population, but they do not yet hold an equal share of our country’s wealth, its land or its enterprises.