Skip to contentFriday, 21 March marks South Africa’s annual Human Rights Day, a day dedicated to honouring the sacrifices made in the fight for freedom, justice and equality. It serves as both a commemoration of our past struggles and a call to action for the continued pursuit of human rights for ALL.
South Africa is widely considered to have one of the most progressive and transformative constitutions in the world. However, the reality tells a different story as the uphill battle for equality persists, and women still face systemic oppression, discrimination and violence.
Despite having made great strides in terms of human rights, South Africa still ranks 18th out of 146 countries for its relatively high gender gap index score of 0.79.
This underscores a need for urgent change in the country. Women in South Africa still endure tragically high rates of gender-based violence and deepening workforce inequality.
A 2024 report by Stats SA revealed a stark economic reality: women in South Africa continue to shoulder the burden of unemployment and earn an estimated 23-35% less than men for the same work. In other words, women receive R72.44 for every R100 a man earns for the same job.
Yet, research consistently shows that gender diversity in the workplace benefits everyone. Reports have shown that companies that employ more women see higher employee retention and satisfaction, stronger financial performance, and improved teamwork, communication and innovation. Therefore, investing in women is not just a moral obligation; it is an economic and social necessity.
Women are not asking for special treatment; they just want to have FUNdamental rights — the same rights that men have always been afforded without question. The right to safety, equal pay, bodily autonomy and the freedom to thrive should not be privileges granted under certain conditions but basic human rights that are respected and upheld every day.
As we observe Human Rights Day this year, we must acknowledge and celebrate the progress we have made since the fall of apartheid. But we must also recognise that true equality remains out of reach for many women in South Africa. Human rights cannot be fully realised until women’s rights are no longer up for debate.
Let this Human Rights Day be a reminder that the strength of a nation lies in the freedom and empowerment of its women. Wathint’ umfazi, wathint’ imbhokodo – you strike a woman, you strike a rock. 
