International Women’s Day 2023: Raising Awareness and Protecting the Vulnerable in South Africa

The Importance of Awareness

Awareness is crucial for promoting and protecting women’s rights in South Africa. By raising awareness about the issues facing women in South Africa, we can work towards creating more opportunities that emphasise women’s empowerment.

Why We Must Raise Awareness of Women’s Rights in South Africa

Raising awareness is essential because it can help to change attitudes and behaviours that contribute to the marginalization of women in society. With more than four in ten young women between the ages of 15 to 34 years old lacking employment, education, or training, South African women are particularly vulnerable to poverty and inequality. By raising awareness about the damaging effects of these beliefs, we can challenge them and promote gender equality.

Awareness of Women’s Rights Addresses Systemic Oppression

Many people in South Africa still hold onto patriarchal beliefs that women are inferior to men. A recent study that aimed at helping women to take control over their sexuality to change the unrelenting poverty cycle among girls and women in South Africa discovered that the role of patriarchal values was depriving them of advancing educationally, and thus, denied them of any hope for gender equality.

When women are made aware of their rights and opportunities, they are more likely to take advantage of them. For example, if women know that they have the right to an education and are aware of the benefits of education, they are more likely to pursue it. Additionally, awareness campaigns can help to reduce the stigma associated with issues like sexual violence, which can help survivors seek help and support.

The role of Education & Media

Education and media play critical roles in raising awareness about women’s rights in South Africa. By incorporating messages about gender equality into school curricula, we can help to shape the attitudes and beliefs of future generations. For example, the Girls Education Movement (GEM) was launched in 2003 to provide equal access to education for girls in South Africa.

Similarly, media campaigns that promote gender equality and challenge harmful stereotypes can reach a broad audience and have a significant impact on public perceptions.

In summary, awareness is critical for promoting and protecting women’s rights in South Africa. Education and media campaigns are essential tools in this effort, as they can help to change attitudes and behaviours and promote gender equality.

Vulnerability of Women in South Africa

“In a country with the most progressive of constitutions, which promises equality and dignity for all, the women and children of South Africa continue to live in fear of violence every day”. – President Cyril Ramaphosa

During his speech at the 2020 dialogue on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), President Cyril Ramaphosa said these bone-chilling words. Years of systemic inequality and oppression have made South African Women especially vulnerable to issues such as poverty, GBV, and unemployment, to mention a few.

Fortunately, steps are being taken to address this matter. On 28 January 2022, the Domestic Violence Amendment Act was signed into law by the president as a way of developing a more robust legislative framework that will close unnecessary loopholes in the law that allow perpetrators to escape justice and thus, more closely protect the victims of abuse.

Why Women Are Vulnerable in South Africa

Women in South Africa face multiple forms of discrimination, including sexism, racism, classism, and ableism. These forms of oppression intersect to create unique challenges for women in different contexts. Women in rural areas, for example, may face challenges related to access to resources and services, while women in urban areas may face challenges related to employment and safety.

The Statistics

South Africa has one of the highest rates of gender-based violence in the world. According to statistics, one in four women in South Africa has experienced physical violence at the hands of an intimate partner.  Additionally, rape and sexual assault are pervasive, with one in three women reporting that they have experienced some form of sexual violence.

The latest police figures show that 10,818 rape cases were reported in the first quarter of 2022. This (among other systemic dysfunctions) makes South Africa one of the most dangerous countries for women to live in. Women are also vulnerable to other forms of violence, such as human trafficking and forced marriage.

Below are some statistics from Stats SA when they analysed the prevalence of crimes against women in the country and the conditions that exacerbate GBV leading to femicide.

• Black African women are the most vulnerable with an unemployment rate of over 30%.
• 39,2% of female-headed households in SA do not have an employed household member.
• Nationally, 43% of children lived with mothers only, while one-third (33,8%) lived with both parents.
• One in five (21%) partnered women has experienced physical violence by a partner
• Women who are divorced or separated were more likely than other women to have experienced physical violence or sexual violence
• The prevalence of physical violence was greater among less-educated women than those with secondary education or higher

Intersectionality & The Different Forms of Oppression Experienced by Women

Intersectionality refers to how different forms of oppression intersect to create unique experiences for individuals. In the context of South Africa, intersectionality plays a significant role in the vulnerabilities that women face. Many South African women still have to juggle multiple demands of managing the household, while still working full time. This makes it especially difficult for them to integrate into the public sphere.

In summary, women in South Africa are vulnerable due to systemic inequality and oppression. Gender-based violence, discrimination, and intersecting forms of oppression contribute to these vulnerabilities. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach that takes into account the unique experiences of different groups of women in South Africa.

Ways to Protect the Vulnerable

Protecting vulnerable women in South Africa requires a multi-faceted approach that involves individuals, society, legislative and policy changes, and community support and resources.

How People & Society Can Protect Vulnerable Women in South Africa

Individuals can play a critical role in protecting vulnerable women by speaking out against GBV and discrimination. Society as a whole can work towards creating a culture that values women and promotes gender equality. This can be achieved through education and awareness campaigns, as well as initiatives that challenge harmful stereotypes and attitudes.

Women Empowerment & Gender Equality Strategy

On August 31^st, 2021, Mr Gwede Mantashe launched the Women Empowerment and Gender Equality (WEGE) Strategy that will more easily secure the role of women actively participating in the energy sector. The strategy will promote equality in employment, work and pay, and improve the participation of women in the decision-making process in the energy sector.

The Importance of Community Support & Resources

Communities can play a critical role in supporting vulnerable women and promoting gender equality. This can be achieved through initiatives that provide resources and support for survivors of gender-based violence, as well as community-based programs that promote education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for women.

The Women’s Empowerment Project in Cape Town is a volunteer program to help impoverished women in townships and rural communities to gain access to equal education, health care, and income opportunities.

The Motsepe Foundation Women’s Unit helps empower women to be equal partners in addressing poverty and seeking ways to raise the socio-economic status of women in South Africa, to enable them to contribute more effectively to their families and communities.

In summary, protecting vulnerable women in South Africa requires a comprehensive approach that involves individuals, society, legislative and policy changes, and community support and resources.

The Future of Women’s Rights in South Africa

The future of women’s rights in South Africa is shaped by the progress made towards gender equality, the continued need for awareness and protection of vulnerable women, and the role of future generations in promoting women’s rights.

Progress Has Been Made

South Africa has made significant progress towards promoting women’s rights, including enshrining gender equality in the constitution and implementing policies to address gender-based violence and discrimination. Women now hold key leadership positions in government, business, and civil society.

SAWIL is a proudly South African Women In Leadership organisation serving women leaders in corporate South Africa. They conscientiously tap into the realities of African women and especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds with leadership training and development, board training and placements, executive coaching, or a safe space to network and learn from those who have gone before them.

While there is still a long way to go to achieve true gender equality, especially for vulnerable women in rural and marginalized communities, it is important to recognise and acknowledge the critical steps that have been implemented already.

The Continued Need for Awareness & Protection

Awareness and protection of vulnerable women in South Africa remain a pressing concern. Gender-based violence and discrimination continue to be pervasive, and women in marginalized communities face multiple forms of oppression. There is a need for continued advocacy and resources to address these issues and to ensure that women’s rights are protected and promoted.

The Role of Future Generations

Future generations have a critical role to play in continuing to promote women’s rights in South Africa. This includes advocating for gender equality and challenging harmful stereotypes and attitudes. Education and awareness campaigns can help to promote a culture of respect and equality, and initiatives that support the economic empowerment of women can help to address systemic inequalities.

The Young Women for Life (YWfL) movement consists of women and girls between the ages of 15 to 25 that raise awareness around HIV and issues relating to gender dynamics and the pressures that lead to transactional sexual relationships. These dialogues have formed the foundation from which young women across South Africa have been able to support and encourage each other over the past two years, as well as to strategise about social change, advocacy and financial improvement initiatives.

In summary, the future of women’s rights in South Africa depends on the progress made towards gender equality, the continued need for awareness and protection of vulnerable women, and the role of future generations in promoting women’s rights.

Conclusion

In conclusion, International Women’s Day serves as an important reminder of the ongoing struggle for women’s rights and gender equality, particularly in South Africa. Awareness and protection of vulnerable women remain pressing concerns, and there is a need for continued advocacy and resources to address these issues.

We must remember that the fight for women’s rights is not a one-day event, but an ongoing effort that requires sustained commitment and action. It is up to every one of us to support women’s rights and promote awareness in our communities in South Africa.

Let us work together to create a more just and equitable society for all women, where they are valued, respected, and able to live their lives to the fullest. By doing so, we can make a real difference in the lives of women in South Africa and around the world.