Women across the globe recently commemorated and were celebrated on International Women’s Day. As recognition of phenomenal women continues in the month of March – Women’s History Month – a month set aside to honor women’s contributions in American history but one we, as South Africans, can use to specifically honour the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Women’s March.

“Wathint’abafazi, wathint’imbokodo, you strike a woman, you strike a rock” was chanted in solidarity then and 70 years later it continues to resonate as a symbol of immense strength, resilience and the courage of women.

While this spirit of collective strength remains a hallmark of South African women, new research highlights that this solidarity is evolving and becoming the very engine for change.

1st for Women’s 2025 Her & Now: Insights into the Women of South Africa report, which surveyed more than 4,000 women, shows that sisterhood is being reshaped through everyday solidarity and a pragmatic belief that progress must be self-driven.

According to Jill Mulligan, Head of Marketing at 1st for Women, “A new kind of girl’s girl is defined not only by closeness or friendship but also by a willingness to support each other.” She adds that 1st for Women’s survey revealed South African women characterise this identity as stemming from empathy, loyalty, and non-judgement.

While International Women’s Day 2026, themed #GiveToGain, encourages a mindset of generosity and collaboration, the research highlights a crucial point: for women to truly thrive, support must be practical and address their fundamental needs for well-being and empathy in their daily lives, moving beyond mere recognition.

The Her & Now report shows that 65% of South African women say they encourage other women, 97% show up for other women, and most believe change will come from women themselves. They are already building informal networks of support, mentoring each other, and redefining what ambition looks like.

“Women have told us how they will build, teach and give others a hand up. Ninety seven percent say they will show up for other women, even when it’s difficult,” says Dr Reitumetse Mpholle, 1st for Women’s Senior Manager of Insights and Research Initiatives. Surveyed women have expressed little optimism about systemic progress. Eighty eight percent of women agree that change will come from women themselves and not institutions.

The Her & Now report provides compelling data on this proactive sisterhood:
● 65% of South African women say they actively encourage other women.
● 97% of women state they show up for other women, demonstrating a deep-seated commitment to mutual support.
● Most powerfully, 88% of women agree that change will come from women themselves and not institutions.

“The overwhelming lack of optimism about systemic progress is what drives this powerful self-reliance. South African women aren’t waiting for the system to change; they are changing their world through each other,” concludes Dr Mpholle.

While celebration and recognition are valued, what is truly needed for women to move forward is actionable, empathic support from their peers as they navigate a challenging socio-economic landscape. This shift from reliance on external institutions, to a focus on self-propelled collective action marks the next chapter as South African women strive for equality and success.