Women's Identity in South Africa

Introduction

Apartheid: This was an institutionalised system of racial segregation and discrimination in South Africa from 1948 to 1994. It impacted all aspects of life, significantly influencing women's roles. From the 1950s to the 1970s, women in South Africa experienced profound changes in their identities due to the restrictive apartheid regime.

Racial Dynamics and Identity

• Triple Discrimination: Black women faced multiple layers of discrimination based on race, gender, and workplace restrictions. An example is the life of a domestic worker in Johannesburg, affected by restrictive pass laws that limited movement and employment options.
• Race and Identity: Racial identity significantly shaped both personal and collective experiences. Laws such as the Group Areas Act determined residential areas, leading to communities formed along racial lines.

Experiences of Black and White Women

• Contrasting Lives:
  • Black Women: Endured harsh labour laws and limited access to socio-economic opportunities, with pass laws directly affecting their daily life choices.
  • White Women: Enjoyed privileges under apartheid but were often confined to traditional domestic roles despite enjoying societal advantages.
• Apartheid laws disrupted both family and community structures, as seen with forced relocations under the Group Areas Act.

Impact of Specific Apartheid Laws

• Native Labour Act and Pass Laws:
  • These laws significantly restricted women's movements and employment possibilities.
  • Approximately 80% of pass law violations were committed by black women, illustrating their constant struggle against oppressive measures.

• Other Relevant Laws:
  • Reservation of Separate Amenities Act: Segregated public spaces and employment opportunities, further limiting women's rights.

Key Events and Movements

1956 Women's March

• Date & Location: Conducted on 9th August 1956 at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
• Participants: The march included over 20,000 women from various racial and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Unity Symbol: The march represented a powerful stand for unity against apartheid measures.
• Core Demand: The central demand was the abolition of pass laws to grant black South Africans freedom of movement.

Economic Role of Women in Rural and Informal Sectors

Introduction

During apartheid, black women in rural areas played crucial yet often unrecognised roles in sustaining the economy. With limited formal opportunities, they turned to informal and rural sectors. Activities such as beer brewing and handicrafts served as economic lifelines and held cultural significance.

Economic Contributions in Rural Sectors

Agricultural Contributions

• Women were integral to agriculture, managing family subsistence farming and contributing as much as 80% of labour in some communities.
• Patriarchal and customary laws severely restricted land ownership for women, limiting their economic independence.

Informal Sector Involvement

• Engaging in informal activities like beer brewing and street vending, women played pivotal roles in sustaining household income and cultural practices.
• Earnings from beer brewing notably supported household finances.

Community Resilience

• Economic contributions enhanced community resilience through networks of mutual support.
• Example: 'Stokvels' were community-based savings schemes where women pooled resources for mutual financial support.

Influence of Apartheid Laws on Identity

• Laws such as the pass laws reinforced racial identities and restricted freedoms. Urban women faced unique challenges compared to their rural counterparts in areas like KwaZulu-Natal.

Formation and Significance of Women's Trade Unions

Historical Context

• Injustices under apartheid created unequal conditions for Black women. The Garment Workers' Union of African Women provided a platform for labour advocacy.

Strategies in Multiracial Trade Unions

• Forming cross-racial partnerships challenged apartheid's racial segregation.
• Emphasis on worker education and protest organisation were central strategies.

Outcomes of Women's Activism

• Key Legislative Changes:
  • The Domestic Violence Act and Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act were results of activism, focusing on preventing discrimination and ensuring equality.

• Impact on Legal Rights: Enhanced legal rights in:
  • Employment: Achieving fair working conditions.
  • Reproductive Health: Improved access to essential health services.
  • Domestic Safety: Strengthened protective measures.

Influence on Contemporary Movements

• Connection to Modern-Day Activism: Movements like #MeToo are evolutions of past struggles.

• Mentorship and Knowledge Transfer: Initiatives like Sisters in Solidarity facilitate mentoring, enriching current efforts.

• Case Study: The Women Empowerment Initiative post-apartheid targeted educational and employment disparities.