Pretoria: South African women have been at the forefront of the country's democratic journey, advancing gender equality and paving the way for the recognition of women's rights in the Constitution. From leading anti-apartheid resistance to participating in the historic 1956 Women's March, women such as Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Sophie Williams-de Bruyn, and Rahima Moosa demonstrated courage, resilience, and unity in a society where women faced racial and gender discrimination and oppression.
According to South African Government News Agency, other women, including Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, and Albertina Sisulu, also played pivotal roles in the broader struggle for freedom and equality. These efforts have resulted in greater representation of women in various sectors, with women now occupying top leadership positions in Parliament, the judiciary, the public sector, and the corporate sector.
This year marks 70 years since more than 20,000 women marched to the Union Buildings on August 9, 1956, to protest against the extension of pass laws to women under apartheid. Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, emphasized the government's ongoing efforts to ensure equal representation in Parliament and other sectors, despite recent declines.
The Johannesburg Stock Exchange recently appointed Valdene Reddy as Group CEO, making her the first woman of color to occupy the position. She succeeded Dr. Leila Fourie, who became the first woman to lead the exchange in 2019. Government has also described Reddy as the first woman of color to hold the JSE Group CEO position.
The year 2026 marks several significant milestones in South Africa's democratic journey, including the anniversaries of the adoption of the Constitution, the 1976 youth uprisings, the 1956 Women's March, and the forced removals from District Six. These landmark events highlight the long struggle for democracy and freedom, contributing to women's economic empowerment initiatives, including employment equity measures and funding for entrepreneurship.
While gains have been made in employment equity, the Commission for Employment Equity's 26th Annual Report shows disparities remain at top management levels, with white and Indian males dominating. Ntshavheni called for more women, particularly Black women, to rise in significant numbers within the private sector.
The Minister encouraged women in leadership roles to actively seek mentorship and support young women in their advancement, stressing the importance of education and hard work for young women to succeed.
Ntshavheni paid tribute to Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke at the inaugural International Portraits of Power exhibition, celebrating extraordinary women whose leadership and contributions have shaped nations. This exhibition, part of a series of legacy projects, commemorates the 155th anniversary of Mannya-Maxeke's birth and highlights her role as a trailblazer for women's rights and gender equality.
The Minister emphasized the power of art in preserving history and inspiring change, noting that initiatives like Portraits of Power serve as cultural and diplomatic platforms that strengthen international understanding and celebrate shared values.