South Africa’s Women’s March at 70: Progress Made, but the Fight Continues

Seven decades have passed since thousands of South

Seven decades have passed since thousands of South African women marched to Pretoria to protest the apartheid regime’s pass laws—a pivotal moment that helped dismantle racial segregation. Yet, for many women in the country today, the echoes of that struggle remain audible, as they continue to confront systemic violence, economic hardship, and entrenched inequality.

The 1956 march, led by figures like Lilian Ngoyi and Helen Joseph, was a bold defiance against laws that restricted the movement of Black South Africans. It demonstrated the power of collective action and became a symbol of resistance. That legacy is still honored each August, but activists argue that the spirit of the march must now be channeled into addressing contemporary challenges that disproportionately affect women.

Violence against women has reached crisis levels, with statistics showing that a woman is murdered every few hours in South Africa. Despite progressive laws and constitutional protections, enforcement remains weak, and many victims lack access to justice. Shelters are overcrowded, and support services are underfunded, leaving survivors vulnerable and often without recourse.

Economic exclusion compounds the problem. South African …

Economic exclusion compounds the problem. South African women, especially Black women, face higher unemployment rates than men and are more likely to work in low-paid, informal sectors. The gender pay gap persists, and women’s representation in leadership roles, whether in business or politics, remains far from proportional. This economic precarity traps many in cycles of dependency and abuse.

Progress has been made, however. More women now hold parliamentary seats and corporate board positions than in 1956, and policies on parental leave and gender-based violence have improved. Grassroots organizations are also stepping up, offering legal aid, counseling, and skills training to women in marginalized communities.

But as the anniversary is commemorated, many argue that symbolic gestures must translate into tangible change. Funding for women’s programs, stricter enforcement of laws, and a cultural shift that rejects misogyny are essential. The original marchers fought for the right to move freely; today’s women are fighting for the right to live safely and with dignity.

The struggle, as the marchers knew, is not

The struggle, as the marchers knew, is not a single event but an ongoing process. Seventy years on, the battle may have changed shape, but it is far from over. The challenge now is to ensure that the courage of 1956 is matched by a sustained commitment to equality in every home, workplace, and courtroom.