Living in South Africa and Women's Rights
The stereotypes of women in Africa often reflect oppressed and downtrodden women. However, the environments in which women live in Africa are more complicated. On paper, women in South Africa have some of the most progressive protections in the world. In reality, many South African women struggle against continuing sexism, racism and other forms of discrimination.
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Apartheid Era
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During the apartheid era, the South African state had no affirmative duty or responsibility to protect women from domestic violence or sexual harassment. Women were often victims of violence, and abusers (both family members and strangers) were rarely prosecuted.
The End of Apartheid
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In 1994, South Africa ended apartheid and Nelson Mandela was elected. During this transition time in 1993, the Prevention of Family Violence Act was passed. In January 1993, the South African government signed the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.
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The South African Constitution and Women's Rights
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Section 12. (1) c. of the South African Constitution states, "Everyone has the right to freedom and security of the person, which includes the right to be free from all forms of violence from either public or private sources." This section also outlines right to control over one's body, and right to freely make decisions regarding reproduction.
Domestic Violence Act of 1998
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The South African Domestic Violence Act (DVA) is perhaps the most expansive legislation in the world regarding domestic violence. For once, domestic violence is just that, any violence that occurs in a private space between people who know each other. The DVA vastly expands the definition of violence to cover physical, verbal, emotional, economic, sexual and psychological abuse.
Women's Struggles Today
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While women have extensive protections on paper, many women are facing increasing violence and discrimination in reality, especially as the global economy exacerbates poverty in South Africa. Women are also bearing the brunt of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. As a result, rights that exist on paper are often overrun by increasing violence, poverty and disease.
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