In honour of Women’s Month, the National Institute for Humanities and Social Sciences (NIHSS) proudly presents the Women of Impact Series. This series celebrates the outstanding achievements of our female graduates, partners, and project leaders in the Humanities and Social Sciences. We showcase the groundbreaking research, extraordinary dedication, and inspiring visions of these accomplished women. Through their innovative work and unwavering commitment, they have advanced in their respective fields and shaped a more inclusive and diverse future. Join us in celebrating their remarkable contributions and stories.
1. What does the celebration of Women’s Month mean to you?
As a black woman, theatre-maker, gender activist, and scholar, Women’s Day holds a deeply personal and collective significance for me. It is a day of remembrance, a day of celebration, and a day of profound reflection on the ongoing struggles and triumphs of women in our country, especially Black women whose labour—often invisible—sustains our society in countless ways.
On August 9, 1956, more than 20,000 women of all races marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria, united against the oppressive pass laws that sought to restrict the movement of Black South Africans. These women, mothers, workers stood shoulder to shoulder, embodying a radical resistance against the brutality of apartheid. As a theatre-maker, I often draw inspiration from this historical moment, recognising the power of collective action and the courage it takes to stand against systemic injustice. The stories of these women are etched into the fabric of my work, reminding me of the importance of amplifying voices that have been historically silences.
This Day is also a time to celebrate the resilience, creativity, and honour the care labourers, domestic workers, and mothers who, despite facing overwhelming challenges, continue to hold our communities together. I am acutely aware of how race, class, and gender intersect to shape the lived experiences of South African women While we celebrate, we must also reflect on the work that still lies ahead. The fight for racial justice, women’s rights, and economic equity is far from over. The legacy of apartheid continues to cast a long shadow over our nation, and Black women remain disproportionately affected by poverty, unemployment, and violence. We must interrogate these systems of oppression and advocating for policies that recognise and uplift the contributions of women, particularly those engaged in care labour. Care work—often undervalued and underpaid—is the backbone of our economy, yet it is frequently overlooked in discussions about worker rights. Women’s Day is a reminder that true liberation cannot be achieved until we address these systemic inequities and ensure that every woman in South Africa can live with dignity and freedom.