On 9 August, South Africa commemorates Women’s Day - a tribute to the 20,000 women who marched to the Union Buildings in 1956 to protest against unjust pass laws. But beyond this historic moment, Women’s Day is also a celebration of the strides women have made in shaping our economy, our boardrooms, and our future.

From Homemakers to Trailblazers: A Brief History

For much of South Africa’s history, women, especially black women were excluded from formal employment and leadership. It wasn’t until the 1950s that significant numbers of women began entering the workforce. Even then, their roles were often limited to domestic work or informal trading.

The Employment Equity Act (EEA) of 1998 marked a turning point. It formally recognised women as a designated group, alongside black South Africans and people with disabilities. This legislation aimed to redress historical discrimination and promote fair representation in the workplace.

Women in Leadership: Where We Stand Today

Fast forward to 2025, and the landscape looks markedly different:

• 37% of board seats in the JSE Top 50 companies are held by women.
• 40% of non-executive directors are women, signalling growing influence in governance.
• 60% of boards now include at least one woman in a top executive role - be it CEO, CFO, or Chairperson.
• In the public sector, women hold 62.3% of senior management positions, and 43.5% of Parliament seats.

While these numbers reflect progress, they also highlight the work ahead. Women remain underrepresented in CEO roles, and tenure gaps persist - with female board members serving shorter terms than their male counterparts.

Empowerment in Action

Government and private initiatives have accelerated women’s economic participation. 

These efforts are more than policy, they’re a promise to build an inclusive economy where women thrive.

Women’s Day reminds us that progress is possible and necessary. From the 1956 march to today’s boardrooms, South African women have shown resilience, leadership, and vision. As we celebrate their achievements, let’s also commit to creating spaces where every woman can lead, earn, and thrive.