These challenges underscore the distinct historical and socio-political landscapes that define their battle, says Nadiya Hattia, Service Desk Senior Consultant at The BEE Chamber.
Rooted in the labour movements of the early 20th century, IWD was conceived amid calls for improved work conditions, equal pay, and the right to vote. Over the years, its scope expanded, encompassing a global plea to eradicate gender-based discrimination, violence, and inequality.
“The statistics, however, paint a stark reality,” she explains. “One in every 10 women is living in extreme poverty (10.30%). If current trends continue, by 2030, an estimated 8% of the world’s female population – 342.4 million women and girls – will still be living on less than 2.15 dollars a day. Most (220.9 million) will reside in sub-Saharan Africa” - UN Women, Progress on the Sustainable Development Goals: The gender snapshot 2023. Avalable at: https://www.unwomen.org/
“During apartheid, Black South African women were not only fighting for basic women's rights but also for their fundamental human rights. The 1956 Women's March to the Union Buildings in Pretoria, where over 20,000 women protested against the pass laws, serves as a poignant example of their fight against the intersection of racial and gender oppression. These women were not merely advocating for gender equality, they were challenging an entire system of racial oppression that sought to deny them their basic dignity and rights as human beings.
“The psychological toll of this compounded oppression cannot be exaggerated. The intersectionality of gender and racial discrimination leaves permanent imprints on mental health which results as heightened stress, anxiety and a pervasive sense of injustice. In a society that systematically devalues Women and their contributions based on race and gender, the struggle for identity and self-worth becomes an internal battle which affects self-esteem and mental well-being,” says Ms Hattia.
In the post-apartheid era, legal and constitutional steps toward gender equality have been made, yet South African women confront challenges distinct from their global counterparts. Gender-based violence, economic inequality, and the persistent echoes of apartheid's racial hierarchies layer complexity onto their pursuit of equality. IWD, while a global call to arms, requires us to delve deeper to understand the unique struggles etched into the fabric of different regions, she adds.
“We commemorate IWD, let us not only acknowledge but also recognise the diverse experiences of women worldwide. The journey towards equality is multifaceted and deeply influenced by historical and socio-political contexts.” Hattia adds:
While we celebrate progress, we must also champion the voiceless, especially in regions where the struggle for equal rights remains an ongoing battle.
“Amidst adversity, let the resilience of South African women serve as our guiding light, a symbol that our quest for equality requires steadfast dedication and an indomitable will.”
“The BEE Chamber is committed to seeing women thrive in the workplace and that they receive the same opportunities presented to their male counterparts. By providing expert advice to help deliver improvements in B-BBEE business strategies, monitoring and implementation, The BEE Chamber ensures that women in organisations are heard and prioritised as organisations plan for the future.”
