Women are still fighting for freedom: De Bruyn, Amnesty International

Sophie de Bruyn, an Anti-apartheid activist, lamented the ongoing struggle for women's freedom, 70 years after the Women's March. De Bruyn highlighted the stark contrast between the hope that over 20,000 women marched with and the current reality. She urged women to continue fighting against gender-based violence and patriarchy.

Mama Sophia Williams-De Bruyn, a symbol of courage and resilience, spoke at the 2026 National Women's Day Commemoration. De Bruyn expressed her concern over the abuse and silencing of women, stating that the freedom they fought for had not been achieved, as they now face systemic oppression due to poverty, lack of clean water, homelessness, and corruption.

Amnesty International South Africa echoed similar sentiments, stating that women continue to be trapped in cycles of violence, poverty, and inadequate basic services, decades after apartheid. The organization reported nearly 10,000 rapes in the first quarter of the current year, averaging about 108 per day. They also noted that poor access to clean water and sanitation services increases women's vulnerability to crime and sexual violence.

Amnesty International has called for the government to address these service delivery failures alongside gender-based violence, emphasizing that women's rights to safety, dignity, and basic services must translate into tangible change.