An assessment of women's involvement in the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa

Abstract

Apartheid (apartness) in South Africa was one of the most discriminatory and inhuman regime of the twentieth century. The country saw suffering and bloodshed on a scale and in an incomprehensible fashion, which pushed South African black women into action. Apartheid adversely affected the life of blacks and in order to get rid of the excruciating discrimination and humiliation, South African black and women of colour launched an intensive anti-apartheid movement, and they played a very significant role by defying existing cultural and societal norms. This paper seeks to assess the role played by women in shaping the anti-apartheid movement by focussing on Pass laws, forced removal, women’s representation in the fight for equality, rights, and freedom.