The 1956 Women’s March by about 20 000 women fighting for free movement in South Africa marks 69 years this year. This significant action was directed at dismantling the apartheid regime’s dompas system − the passbook that black South African men and women were forced to carry wherever they went. All black people over the age of 16 were required to carry it − dictating where they could live, work and travel. It was a systematic mechanism of racial oppression, segregation and discrimination.
Translated into English, the dompas means “stupid pass”; however, the apartheid regime referred to it as a “domestic pass” − trying to make it acceptable. This identity document illustrates the derogatory and aggressive nature of this law towards non-white South Africans, as well as the lack of recognition and acknowledgement of their humanity. Failure to produce the dompas on demand and adhere to its prescribed law resulted in detention and incarceration.
The women at the forefront of the 1956 protest for free movement were brave, not scared of the punitive aftermath of their stance by the apartheid system. Among them were Lillian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Sophia Williams-De Bryn and Frances Baard. It is worth acknowledging the pain they endured in the struggle. We must rejoice in the victory of these heroines − including their successors such as Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, Charlotte Makgomo Maxeke, Fatima Meer, Albertina Sisulu and Bertha Gxowa.
Credit must also go to other women, whose names and contributions were not recorded in our history books. These defiant women were hurt and enraged by the apartheid regime, yet they transformed their frustration into becoming the voice for the marginalised − and they continued advocating for the recognition of free movement for all. We need to remember and celebrate the work of our liberation heroines, who stood fearlessly and boldly against the oppressive regime that disregarded the humanity and dignity of others.
In the post-apartheid regime, every atom in me is tired of repeating the challenges that black women continue enduring in various social institutions. In the new era, the vulnerability of women exists on two fronts: economically, and the rife social ill of gender-based violence (GBV). It was revealed that between 2022 and 2023, altogether 3 198 femicide cases were reported. Additionally, 9,9% (2 150 342) of women have experienced sexual violence in their lifetime.
Further to this is the revelation that 33,1% (7 310 389) of South African women aged 18 and older have reported experiencing physical violence.
Underscoring women’s economic empowerment, Pres. Cyril Ramaphosa made strong emphasis delivering his speech on Women’s Day on 9 August − under the theme of this year’s Women’s Month celebration: “Building Resilient Economies for All”.
However, it is difficult to imagine how the state intends to build a resilient economy while women remain vulnerable to unemployment and often occupy precarious jobs. Evidence of their vulnerability to benefit economically and the struggle thereof, is the Statistics South Africa’s (Stats SA) labour force survey. For the first quarter of 2025, it shows women have a higher unemployment rate − 47% compared to 39% for men. Also, the unemployment rate remains higher at 37% for black people compared to other races, while youth unemployment is growing.
Women are often not recognised in leadership positions, as compared to their men counterparts. There is a lack of faith in women’s capabilities and competency to occupy leadership positions. In some cases, there is a covert expectation for women relating to building a successful career and postponing the starting of a family. It is evident that women still find themselves on the economic margins of the country.
■ Dr Nontombi Velelo is a lecturer and director in the Department of Sociology at the University of the Free State (UFS).
