The fight for human rights in South Africa has been an ongoing struggle since the 1950s. During this period, South African women played a pivotal role in pushing for change and fighting against the violation of human rights. This article looks at the role South African women played in resisting human rights violations from the 1950s to the 1960s.
South African Women and Human Rights Violations
South African women have long been involved in the struggle for human rights. From the 1950s onwards, women were at the forefront of the fight for equal rights. This was particularly true for the women of colour, who had been marginalised by the apartheid regime. In the 1950s and 1960s, women were active in various organisations that were dedicated to fighting for civil rights, such as the Federation of South African Women (FSAW) and the ANC Women’s League.
These organisations were instrumental in pushing for change, with women taking part in protests, marches and other forms of civil disobedience. Women were also active in the underground struggle against apartheid, with some even taking part in armed resistance. South African women, particularly those of colour, were also active in the labour movement, pushing for better wages and working conditions.
1950s to 1960s: A Period of Activism
The 1950s and 1960s were a period of intense activism for South African women. In 1956, the FSAW organised a march of over 20,000 women to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest against the pass laws, which required black people to carry identification documents at all times. This march was led by prominent women, such as Lillian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph and Sophia Williams-De Bruyn. The march was a huge success and forced the government to repeal the pass laws.
In 1960, the ANC organised a mass protest against the pass laws, which was led by women. This protest, known as the Sharpeville Massacre, resulted in the deaths of 69 people and forced the government to end the pass laws. In the same year, the ANC organised the campaign of defiance against apartheid, which saw thousands of South Africans, including women, take part in acts of civil disobedience.
In 1961, the ANC Women’s League was formed, with women playing a key role in the organisation. This organisation was instrumental in pushing for change and was a major force in the struggle against apartheid. Women were also active in the labour movement, pushing for better wages and working conditions.
The role of South African women in the fight for human rights during
