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Mandela, Nelson

The Battle Against Sexism in South Africa's New Democracy

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

In the aftermath of apartheid, Nelson Mandela and the African National Congress (ANC) came to power in South Africa, marking a significant milestone in the country's democratic transition. However, as the ANC's leader paid tribute to the dedication of women's rights groups during his release from prison, it became clear that the struggle for equal rights was only beginning. The challenge for women in South Africa is to put gender on the political agenda, and groups like the South African Women's Party, the Black Sash, and the Women's National Coalition are working tirelessly to promote women's rights and empowerment.

Key Takeaways:

  • The South African Women's Party was formed eight months ago due to disillusionment with politicians and a lack of female representation in other parties.
  • Sexism and racism are linked, and addressing one issue requires tackling the other, according to Erica Schutze of the South African Women's Party.
  • Black women paid the heaviest price under apartheid, facing extreme poverty, limited opportunities, and poor education.
  • The statistics on violence against women in South Africa are alarming, with a woman being raped every 83 seconds (23,675 reported in 1992, with only 6131 rapists convicted).
  • The ANC's draft health policy proposed the legalisation of abortion on demand, but in practice, abortion is often only available to those with financial means.
  • The Women's Charter For Effective Equality, produced by the Women's National Coalition, outlines a comprehensive program for equality, covering justice, education, family life, violence against women, and more.
  • The Black Sash, formed in 1955, has a history of campaigning against apartheid and is now actively promoting women's rights and empowerment.
  • Groups like the Black Housewives League, Girl Guides, and the Rural Women's Movement have come together through the Women's National Coalition to fight for equal rights and challenging societal structures.
  • The ANC's election and the subsequent appointment of Nelson Mandela as president marked a significant milestone in the country's democratic transition, but the battle against sexism has only just begun.

Statistics:

  • A woman is raped in South Africa every 83 seconds (23,675 reported in 1992, with only 6131 rapists convicted).
  • 60% of all violent crime is committed against women.
  • Each week at least four women must leave their homes because of the threat of violence from their male partners.
  • Only 14% of white women in South Africa have a tertiary degree or certificate, compared to 1% of black women.
  • The ANC's draft health policy proposed the legalisation of abortion on demand.

Sources:

  • Alan Attwood, "Sexism emerges as new enemy in South Africa", The Times (UK), February 1994.
  • "Women's Charter For Effective Equality", Women's National Coalition, February 1994.
  • "ANC Draft Health Policy", African National Congress, 1994.
  • "South African Women's Party Manifesto", South African Women's Party, 1994.
  • "The Black Sash: A History", Black Sash, 1994.

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