'Wathint' abafazi': New research shows 90% of SA women believe ‘softness is strength'

SowetanLIVE

7 days ago

As South Africa celebrates Women's Day on Saturday commemorating the historic 1956 march by more than 20,000 women to the Union Buildings to protest against apartheid pass laws, new research reveals that the country's women are reframing what it means to be powerful.
The Her and Now: Insights into the Women of South Africa 2025 report by First for Women shows a remarkable shift as 90% of women now agree that 'softness and gentleness are forms of strength', while 94% say 'balance is more valuable than ambition'.
'South African women are redefining what it means to be powerful. In a world that demands constant productivity and resilience, more women are choosing a different path. A path where softness becomes strength, where saying no is an act of self-preservation, and where living fearlessly means protecting what matters most,' the report said.
The study, which surveyed more than 4,000 women, found that 44% strongly agree that softness itself is a form of strength, while 58% strongly agree that 'the right to exhale is as important as the drive to achieve'. Half of women strongly agree that they long for quiet moments that belong solely to themselves.
Dr Reitumetse Mpholle, senior manager of insights and research initiatives at First for Women, said the research began with one key question of whether fearless is still the right approach.
'When we kicked off the year, we were very aware that we're not necessarily where we want to be in terms of understanding our women. If we are going to say we are first for women, we have to be on top of where women are at, what keeps them up at night, and their experiences,' she said.
'So we partnered with an external research company to get deep qualitative insights. We wanted to know: where are you? What do you want? What's your next,' she said.
Mpholle said the findings painted a complex picture. 'Some of the big nuggets that came out are around this power dynamic. We are strong and want to look strong, but it's coming at a cost. Every day we show up as such at work, but when we get home we have to adjust. It's killing us on the inside to constantly look perfect, be the best mom, be the best professional, be the best daughter,' said Mpholle.