The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) joins the global working class in commemorating International Women’s Day, a day rooted in the struggles of working-class women against oppression, economic exploitation, and patriarchy. This day is not merely one of celebration but a call to action to confront the structural inequalities that continue to marginalize women, particularly black working-class women, in South Africa.
As we mark 30 years of democracy, it is necessary to reflect on the progress made and the battles that still lie ahead. While South Africa has seen an increase in the number of women in Parliament, provincial legislatures, local government, and corporate boardrooms, we must not be blinded by these numerical achievements alone. The true measure of women’s advancement must be assessed in the workplaces, communities, homes, and fields where black working-class women remain at the bottom of society.
Black Women in Employment: A Struggle for Equality
The 24th Commission for Employment Equity Annual Report (2023-2024) reveals that black African women remain significantly underrepresented in top management positions, holding less than 15% of such roles in listed companies. In contrast, white individuals continue to occupy a disproportionately high percentage of top management roles relative to their population size.
Furthermore, black women bear the brunt of unemployment. The Quarterly Labour Force Survey for the second quarter of 2023 indicates that the unemployment rate among black African women was 41.0%, compared to 8.2% among white women, 22.4% among Indian/Asian women, and 29.9% among coloured women. 
In the informal sector, which predominantly comprises black individuals, black women are overrepresented in low-paid, repetitive work with little to no job security. This sector’s precarious nature exacerbates their economic vulnerability, limiting access to benefits and protections afforded in the formal economy.
Women and Education: The Impact of Dropout Rates and Teenage Pregnancy
Educational attainment significantly influences labour market outcomes. However, black African women face substantial challenges, including higher dropout rates before completing Grade 12 and the prevalence of teenage pregnancies. These factors hinder their full participation in the labour market, often relegating them to low-skilled and low-paying jobs or unemployment.
Women and Crime: The Epidemic of Rape and Femicide
South Africa continues to grapple with high levels of gender-based violence. According to the South African Police Service Crime Statistics for 2022/2023, there were 42,289 reported cases of rape, with women and girls being the predominant victims. The femicide rate remains alarmingly high, underscoring the systemic failure to protect women from violence. 
Honouring the Role of Women While Fighting for Equality
Despite these hardships, black women continue to hold society together—in workplaces, unions, communities, and homes. They are the backbone of resistance movements, fighting against exploitation, corruption, and gender-based violence.
SAFTU salutes the struggles of black working-class women and commits to fighting against patriarchy, capitalism, and austerity, which continue to oppress them. We call for:
• Stronger employment equity enforcement to ensure real transformation in the labour market.
• A living wage and decent jobs for all women, with an end to the gender pay gap.
• Universal access to quality healthcare, including free cancer screening and reproductive health services.
• Serious government action against gender-based violence, including proper funding of shelters, special courts for rape and femicide, and harsher punishment for perpetrators.
• A radical land reform programme that prioritizes black women as direct beneficiaries.
• Recognition and compensation of unpaid care work through social security and childcare support.
The Struggle Continues!
Women’s liberation is inseparable from the fight against capitalism and patriarchy. SAFTU calls on all workers, unions, and progressive forces to intensify the struggle for a just and equal society where black working-class women are no longer at the bottom.
Until then, International Women’s Day remains a day of struggle, not just celebration.
Forward to women’s emancipation!
Forward to economic justice!
Down with patriarchy and capitalism!
A Statement was issued on behalf of SAFTU by General Secretary Zwelinzima Vavi.
For more details, contact the National Spokesperson at:
Newton Masuku
066 168 2157
Newtonm@saftu.org.za
