August Is Women's Month In South Africa And Black Women Are Reclaiming Their Time

As South Africa continues it’s annual Women’s Month celebration, Black women in particular are reclaiming their place in society. 

Politically, women enjoy a high representation in parliament. Women ministers currently account for 41% of the cabinet, while women deputy ministers account for 47% of the total number of deputy ministers, with a a total of 41% representation of women in the National Assembly. Amid the growth seen in the political sector, a Ministry of Women, Children and People with Disabilities was established in 2009 and seeks to elevate women’s needs and issues.

Meanwhile, women make up almost 28% of the country’s judiciary. In the business world, they currently make up 3.6% of CEO positions, 5.5% of chairperson positions, 17.1% of directorships and 21.4% of executive management positions. Women are also encouraged to own their own businesses at increasing rates. Most recently, The Department of Trade and Industry established The South African Women Entrepreneurs Network, a networking forum for women in business.

Happy Women’s Month, ladies!