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Introduction
When thinking of South Africa women's rights and suffrage are not usually the first things that come to mind. Just like the many women in The United States and Europe, women all over South Africa have fought against adversity to gain the rights that all people deserve. There are still many improvements that need to be made in how women in all over the world are treated. -
First Protests Begin
Protests led by Charlotte Maxeke take place in Orange Free State. Resisting government attempts to impose passes on women. The passes were burnt in front of local municipal offices. (Passes made to segregate population) -
White Women Gain the Right to Vote
White women aged 21 and older are allowed to vote in the same capacity as men. Done under the Women's Enfranchisement Act. However, the effect was that the voting power of black men was decreased from 3.1% to 1.4%. www.sahistory.org.za -
African National Congress Women's League is formed
The Organisation was founded by Charlotte Maxeke. She also became its first president. It is the women's department of the ANC. They also protested against apartheid, along with Pass laws. www.sahistory.org.za -
1956 Women's March
South African women of all races marched on the Union Buildings protesting against proposed amendments to the Urban Areas Act of 1950. The leaders left huge bundles of signed petitions outside JG Strijdom's office. He never looked at them. "You strike a woman, you strike a rock" -
The Revolt of the Women
The African women of Durban set a motion series of revolts that lasted from 1959-1963. Beginning of uprising of the women of Durban.Dorothy Nyembe is arrested for leading the revolts. www.saha.org.za -
The Black Women's Federation is formed
Initially started in 1973 by Natal women who were inspired Fatima Meer after her return from the US. The meetings grew and in Natal made contact with the Transvaal women and eventually spread all over South Africa. The Black Women's Federation was formed to created a united front for all South African women to work to resolve issues such as education, housing, labour, rural development, and detentions. www.sahistory.org.za -
African Self Help Association is set up
The African Self Help Association was created to help and encourage South African women in urban areas to do voluntary social work amongst people in their area. Today the organization focused on early childhood development and training women to be teachers and social workers. www.ashatrust.com -
Increase in Women's Economic Activity
31.5% women are economically active in South Africa. This percentage had more than doubled from the 15.5% of economically active women in1960. Women in South Africa were continuing to make huge strides in gaining equal rights and independence. -
UNICEF's publication
"Children on the Frontline: The Impact of Apartheid, Destabillisation and Warfare on CHildren in Southern and South Africa" motivates organisations to lobby and campaign more ardently for the protection of children's rights in South Africa. parliament.gov.za -
Children's Summit is organised
International Conference on Child Rights held in Cape Town -
All Women Gain the Right to vote
Bantustans (a territory set aside for the black people of South Africa as part of apartheid policy) and the tricameral Parliament were abolished and the right to vote for the National Assembly was granted to all adult citizens. -
South Africa ratifies the United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child