Seventy Years After Women’s March, South Africa’s Fight for Equality Continues

Johannesburg, South Africa – In a poignant reflection of historical progress and ongoing struggles, Sophie Williams-de Bruyn, a key figure in the 1956 women’s march against apartheid, returned to the Union Buildings in Pretoria on August 9, 2023, marking the 70th anniversary of a landmark event in South Africa’s fight for equality. At just 18 years old, Williams-de Bruyn was one of approximately 20,000 women who protested against the government’s extension of oppressive pass laws that restricted the freedom of movement for Black South Africans, particularly women.

The march, initially a civil rights protest, has been commemorated annually as National Women’s Day. The event has evolved into a platform to celebrate the achievements of women since the end of apartheid and the establishment of a democratic South Africa. As Williams-de Bruyn stood on the same grounds decades later, the landscape had transformed drastically. South Africa is now a democracy with a constitution that guarantees equality and safeguards against discrimination.

Yet despite these advancements, many women continue to face significant challenges, particularly concerning safety and economic opportunities. During her address at the commemorative event, Williams-de Bruyn emphasized the disillusionment many feel regarding the gap between past victories and present realities. She asked a striking question: “How can we fully celebrate our past victories when our present reality is so deeply disappointing and distressful?”

While the political landscape has certainly shifted to include more women in leadership roles, the economic situation remains starkly unequal. Despite women’s increased representation across various sectors, including the judiciary and government, economic empowerment has not followed suit. The unemployment rate stands notably higher for women—36.4 percent compared to 29.6 percent for men—with Black women facing even greater obstacles.

The issue of gender-based violence also casts a long shadow over these advancements. Reports indicate thousands of rapes and sexual offenses occurring daily, a grim statistic underscoring systemic societal issues. Following sustained advocacy, the South African government classified gender-based violence as a national disaster, but rights organizations maintain that declarations without tangible change are insufficient.

Williams-de Bruyn’s speech served as a somber reminder that while progress has been made, the journey toward true equality is far from complete. The freedoms won through decades of struggle have yet to materialize for many women, who still grapple with poverty, violence, and access to essential services. In her closing remarks, Williams-de Bruyn resonated with many, stating, “This is not the freedom we marched for,” underscoring the ongoing fight for dignity and security that continues to define women’s experiences in contemporary South Africa.

With the presence of notable figures, including Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai, the event also highlighted solidarity with women facing adversity globally. Ultimately, the commemoration served as both a tribute to historical achievements and a clarion call for ongoing activism and change in the quest for equality and justice for all women in South Africa.

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