In Conversation With Zanele Sabela- Cosatu Spokesperson
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The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) joined millions worldwide in observing International Women’s Day on 8 March 2026. This year is particularly significant as South Africa marks the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Women’s March to the Union Buildings, where 20 000 women of all races protested apartheid pass laws, demonstrating the power of collective action.
While South Africa has made considerable progress in gender equality, significant challenges remain. Gender-based violence (GBV) continues to affect women, children, and persons with disabilities at alarming rates, despite government declaring it a national disaster. Economic disparities also persist: women face higher unemployment rates than men (46.9% versus 35.1%), with black women and youth disproportionately affected. Women are more likely to work in precarious jobs or unpaid care work, which remains undervalued despite its crucial role in supporting families, communities, and the economy.
The gender pay gap persists in the formal sector, ranging from 23% to 35%, while leadership roles remain dominated by men—over 60% of senior management positions in the private sector are held by white men. The public sector has made better progress, approaching gender parity at around 45%.
While South Africa has made considerable progress in gender equality, significant challenges remain. Gender-based violence (GBV) continues to affect women, children, and persons with disabilities at alarming rates, despite government declaring it a national disaster. Economic disparities also persist: women face higher unemployment rates than men (46.9% versus 35.1%), with black women and youth disproportionately affected. Women are more likely to work in precarious jobs or unpaid care work, which remains undervalued despite its crucial role in supporting families, communities, and the economy.
The gender pay gap persists in the formal sector, ranging from 23% to 35%, while leadership roles remain dominated by men—over 60% of senior management positions in the private sector are held by white men. The public sector has made better progress, approaching gender parity at around 45%.
