The Unseen Struggle: Women’s Challenges in South Africa

By Thatoyaone Moepetsane

Women’s representation in South Africa’s National Assembly has dropped from 46% in 2020 to 43% following the 2024 elections.

South Africa, a country known for its vibrant culture and stunning landscapes, is also home to a stark reality of the struggles faced by women. Despite progress made in recent years, women in South Africa continue to face numerous challenges that impact their daily lives, well-being, and future.

South Africa has one of the highest rates of rape and femicide in the world. Women are subjected to physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, often by those closest to them. The trauma and fear that accompany these experiences can have long-lasting effects on their mental health and overall well-being.

Women in South Africa face significant barriers to economic empowerment. They are often underpaid, undervalued, and overlooked for promotions. The gender pay gap persists, with women earning significantly less than their male counterparts. Limited access to education, training, and job opportunities further exacerbates the issue. Access to higher education with only 25%.

Women’s healthcare is another area of concern. Access to quality healthcare, particularly in rural areas, is limited. Reproductive rights are also under threat, with restrictions on abortion and limited access to contraception. Access to quality healthcare, particularly in rural areas, is limited. 57% of women in rural areas have access to healthcare facilities, compared to 83% in urban areas.

Reproductive rights are under threat, with restrictions on abortion and limited access to contraception. The Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act was passed in 1996, which guarantees access to sexual and reproductive health services.

Death from unsafe abortion has declined by more than 90% since the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act was passed in 1996. However, many people face obstacles to getting a safe, legal abortion. One in three women aged 15-24 experiences an unintended pregnancy before the age of 20. Limited access to contraception contributes to this issue.

Among females aged 15 to 24, HIV incidence is more than four times higher than the incidence of males in the same group. 61% of women living with HIV/AIDS receive antiretroviral treatment. South Africa’s maternal mortality rate remains unacceptably high. 61% of women receive antenatal care, and 85% of women give birth in a healthcare facility.

While progress has been made in education, women still face obstacles. They are underrepresented in STEM fields and often face discrimination in the classroom. In leadership positions, women are vastly underrepresented, holding only a small percentage of seats in parliament.

The struggles faced by women in South Africa are complex and multifaceted. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach that involves government, civil society, and individuals. By working together, we can create a more equitable society where women can thrive. It’s time to acknowledge the unseen struggle and take action to empower women in South Africa.

Women having control over their lives, bodies, and decisions, access to quality education, skills training, and knowledge, women having control over their financial resources and ability to support themselves, access to healthcare, reproductive rights, and freedom from violence, women holding leadership positions and participating in decision-making processes, challenging harmful gender stereotypes and promoting positive cultural norms.

Improved health and well-being, increased economic growth and productivity, enhanced education and skills development, reduced poverty and inequality, more inclusive and equitable societies.

We must support women-led initiatives and organizations, and advocate for policy changes and legislation, Educate and raise awareness about gender equality, mentor and support women in leadership positions, challenge and address gender-based violence and discrimination.

South Africa, a country known for its vibrant culture and stunning landscapes, is also home to a stark reality – the struggles faced by women. Despite progress made in recent years, women in South Africa continue to face numerous challenges that impact their daily lives, well-being, and future.

57% of women in rural areas lack access to quality healthcare facilities (SA Health Department, 2024), 26% of women have limited access to contraception (SA Health Department, 2024), Women earn 28% less than their male counterparts (SA Reserve Bank, 2024). Only 22% of women hold a tertiary qualification (SA Statistics, 2024)

Women make up only 25% of total enrollment in higher education institutions (HEIs) in Sub-Saharan Africa (UNESCO, 2024), 45% of women face barriers to accessing STEM fields (SA Department of Science and Technology, 2024)

61% of women living with HIV/AIDS receive antiretroviral treatment (SA Health Department, 2024). Maternal mortality rate remains high, with 119 deaths per 100,000 live births (SA Health Department, 2024), women hold only 43% of seats in parliament (SA Parliament, 2024)

A woman is murdered every three hours (SA Police Service, 2024), 41% of women experience depression, and 26% experience anxiety (SA Depression and Anxiety Group, 2024)

The struggles faced by women in South Africa are complex and multifaceted. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach that involves government, civil society, and individuals. By working together, we can create a more equitable society where women can thrive.

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About the author:

Thatoyaone Moepetsane – born in the year 1992, born at Tlakgameng village, North West Province, started school at Seitsang Primary, active politician, started to be involved in the politics at the high school, still involved to date, author and social entrepreneur.