SPECIAL REPORT
This Women's Month, we honour the strength, resilience and brilliance of South African women. From boardrooms to townships, our nation has been shaped by women who rise, lead and inspire. Through stories, conversations and celebration, we shine a light on the power of her voice — because when women thrive, South Africa moves forward.
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TimesLIVE
3 hours ago
- TimesLIVE
'Wathint' abafazi': New research shows 90% of SA women believe ‘softness is strength'
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. Mpholle said another key theme was the emotional toll of traditional gender roles. 'At work, I'm in control, but then when I get home, I have to adjust to fit into traditional norms,' she said. One of the most sobering statistics in the report was that only 6% of women felt comfortable going outside at night and 90% are too afraid to be home alone. 'In Maslow's hierarchy of needs, safety is basic but many South African women say that's not even possible here. Our environment is inherently designed to not allow us to succeed. So how do you thrive when your most basic level of need is not met?' The research shows that 65% of mothers strongly agree that the expectation to 'keep it together' is more intense once they have children and 60.7% say they sacrifice their own needs to maintain family stability. The report showed that daily life for many feels like 'a multitasking marathon' as: 34% feel emotionally drained every day. 33% say they're praised for resilience while feeling overwhelmed. 43% strongly agree they rarely get uninterrupted time for themselves. 63% feel like the 'backbone' of both work and family daily. 44% feel unsupported despite being strong for others. 'Empowerment is real, but so is the burnout. Strength is often mistaken for wellness,' the report said. The research also highlighted a cultural shift in how women relate to one another. 'About 10 years ago there was this 'pull her down' syndrome, your biggest hater is the woman next to you. Now, we're seeing our biggest supporters are women. I might not be your mom, but I support moms. I might not be married, but I support married women. For the first time, we're on the same page irrespective of age, sexuality or life stage,' said Mpholle This is giving rise to a new 'girl's girl' phenomenon rooted not just in friendship but in solidarity through small, intentional acts: encouragement in doubt, kindness in struggle and showing up when needed. The report finds that for many women, success has shifted from relentless ambition to purposeful balance. 'In a world that demands so much, softness has become a quiet form of rebellion. Power is being redefined not as striving, but as stillness. Not as noise, but as peace. The fantasy isn't wealth or escape, but a quiet morning, a walk on the beach, a bath without interruption,' said the report. The report revealed that 94% regularly encourage other women while 97% show up for other women, even when it's difficult. For these women, joy is not a luxury it's scheduled, ritualised and protected. Saying 'no' is not defiance but preservation. 'We're no longer asking you to be fearless. And that's OK. For the times when you can't be strong, we're here for you. We're saying you don't have to be everything, every time, to everyone,' said Mpholle.
The Citizen
8 hours ago
- The Citizen
Polokwane woman finally receives title deed after six-year wait
POLOKWANE – Kgaugelo Malebana (62), a retired temporary worker, finally received the title deed to her RDP house in Extension 133, Polokwane, six years after it was first awarded to her. The title deed was handed over by the Minister of Human Settlements and former Polokwane mayor, Thembi Simelane, during a ceremony that formed part of her department's national Title Deeds Friday Campaign. Malebana expressed mixed emotions about the milestone, raising concerns over basic service delivery in her area. She told the minister that while she appreciated finally owning her home, a lack of water and electricity in her yard and surrounding homes makes it difficult to celebrate fully. 'Electricity and municipal rates are very expensive. I am retired and not working. If these services remain unaffordable or unavailable, I may be forced to sell,' she said frankly. The handover formed part of a two-day oversight visit by the Minister and her deputy, Tandi Mahambehlala, to assess Limpopo's progress in delivering sustainable human settlements and achieving national 2025/26 targets. Simelane was joined by Human Settlements MECs from other provinces and local executive mayors. The campaign specifically focused on handing over title deeds to senior citizens between 60 and 70 years old in honour of Women's Month. Simelane urged beneficiaries not to sell their properties, warning that this has been a common issue with RDP housing programmes. 'These homes are assets that must be protected and passed on to future generations,' she said.
The Citizen
9 hours ago
- The Citizen
BLOGGING THE VIEW: Celebrating Women's Day in an age of inequality
BLOGGING THE VIEW: Celebrating Women's Day in an age of inequality This Saturday we celebrate Women's Day in honour of the strength, resilience, and contributions South African women have made in securing gender equality. Problem is, we're not there yet. We're not even as close as we once thought. Even extending one day into a month of celebrating women isn't enough to bridge that gender divide which, in some countries, is actually getting wider. Remember South African women It's important to note the turning point for our country when it comes to, not only women's rights, but black women's rights. 9 August commemorates the 1956 Women's March when 20 000 women of all races stood united outside the Union Buildings in Pretoria, delivering a petition with over 100 000 signatures against the unjust pass laws that defined apartheid. In a powerful act of defiance and dignity, they stood in silence for 30 minutes – a protest that reverberates to this day as a symbol of courage and unity. The first official National Women's Day was marked in 1995, 50 years after the march. But while Women's Day reminds us of how far we've come, it also raises the uncomfortable truth: we still have a very long road ahead. The reality of global gender inequality Despite ongoing activism and progress, gender inequality remains deeply entrenched, not only in South Africa but across the world. Recent figures reveal that: · 1 in 10 women globally still live in extreme poverty · Women still earn 20% less than men globally · In 51% of countries, at least one law restricts women from doing the same jobs as men · Every 10 minutes, a woman or girl is killed by someone she knows · Women make up only 35% of STEM graduates, a number that has barely changed in a decade · More than 600 million women and girls live near conflict zones · 119 million girls are out of school · Only 26 countries have a female head of state; 103 have never had one · At the current rate, it will take another 300 years to achieve gender equality globally · A global backlash against women's rights is gaining momentum, with nearly 1 in 4 countries reporting regression in gender equality efforts as recently as 2024 South Africa's ongoing struggle Our women continue to face significant challenges. Among them: · Gender-based violence is endemic, with women and girls facing abuse, rape, and femicide at alarmingly high rates · Economic participation is unequal, with women carrying the bulk of unpaid care work, and underrepresentation in leadership roles across business and government · Access to education, healthcare and economic opportunity remains unequal, particularly in rural and marginalised communities What needs to change To truly honour the legacy of 1956, we must shift from words to action. Here are key areas that demand urgent attention: 1. End violence against women: Governments must enact stronger laws, improve data collection, and fund survivor support. 2. Boost economic power: Equal pay legislation, childcare infrastructure, paid parental leave, and investment in care jobs can unlock both economic growth and gender equity. 3. Invest in education: Policies must focus on removing barriers to access, especially in underserved communities. 4. Promote leadership: Quotas, mentorship programmes, and dismantling gender norms are essential to shift representation from tokenism to transformation. 5. Close the digital divide: Women must have access to technology, be protected from online abuse, and be empowered to lead in tech and innovation. 6. End legal discrimination: Laws should be a shield, not a sword. Governments must actively reform discriminatory legal frameworks. This Saturday should be a celebration of our past, but also a movement that encourages change now, for future generations of women. Because true freedom means leaving no woman behind. SOURCES: Don't have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here: HAVE YOUR SAY Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. For news straight to your phone invite us: WhatsApp – 060 784 2695 Instagram – zululand_observer
