South African women are rewriting the rules of resilience, quietly prioritising peace over performance in a world that demands they “keep it all together.” And what better glimpse into their daily lives than the contents of their handbags? Far from being just an accessory, a handbag is a survival kit, a confidence booster, and a lifeline all rolled into one.

On National Handbag Day this October, we posed a simple question: What’s the one thing in your handbag right now that you love? The responses painted a vivid picture of what women truly value. Across the board, their essentials fell into three powerful categories: Confidence, Connectivity, and Self-Care.

Here’s what South African women revealed as their must-haves:

1. My Cellphone – The Lifeline. The single most mentioned item, a cellphone, it’s far more than a device for communication, it’s a safety net, an organiser, a business tool, and for many, a lifeline in uncertain times. From staying connected to working on the go, it’s a non-negotiable in every handbag.

2. Lip Gloss/Lip Balm – The Confidence boost. A quick swipe of lip gloss or balm is more than just a beauty ritual – it’s an instant mood lifter. This small but mighty item serves as a psychological cue, helping women feel polished, prepared, and ready to tackle whatever comes their way.

3. Wallet/Purse/Cardholder – Financial freedom. Carrying financial stability, identification, and independence, the purse is a symbol of agency. For some, it’s more than just practical – it’s deeply sentimental, holding memories of loved ones or reminders of generosity and gratitude.

4. Hand Lotion – Softness as strength. A simple tube of hand cream represents much more than skincare. It’s a moment of self-care, a tactile reminder to prioritise oneself amid the chaos. This “gentle rebellion” redefines softness as strength in the face of life’s demands.              

5. Power Bank – The Anti-burnout tool. An essential for the woman who has “no capacity” despite her capability. Being on 1% battery is not an option for the woman who feels 68% of others depend on her daily, this according to 1st for Women’s new report Her and Now: Insights into the Women of South Africa 2025. Battery life is the modern-day insurance policy against losing connectivity and control.

Some fun and eye-opening finds

The contents of a handbag reveal more than just practicality – they are a microcosm of the pressures, priorities, and solidarity defining South African women today.

●       Security first: For many, survival is still the foundation for thriving. Items like pepper spray, tasers, and safety keychains are a stark reminder of the reality women face, with only 6% feeling safe after dark.

●       The “Escape” kit: Some women carry items purely for peace – a novel, a journal, their favourite perfume, or even a scented lotion. The right to exhale is crucial, with 67% of women saying they actively seek small daily rituals to manage stress and reclaim balance.

●       Sentimental treasures: One respondent shared, “I carry a black Parker pen my late mom gave me, engraved with her name and my daughter’s. The ink is gone, but the memory isn’t.”

The bigger picture: What women’s handbag essentials say about their lives

The items women carry show not only their meticulous preparation but also their priorities. From first aid kits and snacks to journals and repair kits, these essentials reflect a blend of practicality, sentimentality, and a deep desire for balance.

Interestingly, the data reveals that 45% of women actively prioritise achieving a peaceful, balanced daily life over career advancement (11%). This shift toward harmony speaks volumes about the evolving definition of success.

Protecting what matters most

For many women, losing a handbag is more than just an inconvenience – it’s a nightmare. With cellphones, wallets, IDs, and power banks among the most essential items, the financial and emotional toll of replacing them can be overwhelming.

That’s why 1st for Women goes beyond traditional insurance to offer comprehensive Handbag Cover as part of their Home Contents Insurance. This includes up to R25,000 cover for theft, loss, or accidental damage to your handbag and its contents, with options for specialised cover if your valuables exceed this.

Because at the end of the day, a woman’s handbag isn’t just a bag – it’s a lifeline, a strategy, and a testament to her resilience. And it deserves to be protected, so she can continue focusing on what truly matters.