Calls to Celebrate Women’s Achievements During Women’s Month

As South Africa prepares to mark Women’s Month and commemorate the historic 69th anniversary of the 1956 Women’s March, Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy, Samantha Graham-Maré, has called on the nation to honour the achievements of women across all sectors—particularly highlighting the energy industry, where female representation remains disproportionately low.

Reflecting on the Legacy of South Africa’s Women Freedom Fighters

On August 9, 1956, approximately 20,000 courageous women, led by iconic struggle heroes Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Albertina Sisulu, and Sophia Williams-De Bruyn, marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest against apartheid-era pass laws imposed on black women. This monumental act of resistance remains one of the defining moments in South Africa’s liberation history.

In her remarks at the “Empowering Women in Energy” breakfast event, held on the sidelines of the third G20 Energy Transitions Working Group meeting in the North West province, Deputy Minister Graham-Maré honoured these trailblazers, emphasizing Women’s Month as a period not only for celebration but also reflection on the ongoing challenges women face.

“Women’s Month provides a time to celebrate and reflect on women’s accomplishments, the challenges we have encountered in the struggle for freedom, and the critical role we continue to play in society,” Graham-Maré said. “It reminds us of our shared history and the work still ahead to achieve gender equality.”

Women’s Critical Role in South Africa’s Energy Transition

The Deputy Minister drew attention to the pivotal role women must play as South Africa pursues cleaner, more sustainable, and resilient energy systems amid a global push for energy transitions. “This is about more than technology or policy. It is about inclusivity, justice, and the bravery to create an energy future in which no one falls behind,” she remarked.

However, she acknowledged a persistent challenge: despite women constituting half of the global talent pool, they remain “substantially underrepresented” in the energy sector—a reality that hinders the inclusiveness and innovation needed for a just energy transition.

Building Inclusive Spaces for Women in Energy

In an exclusive interview with SAnews following the event, Graham-Maré expressed hope for a future where the inclusion of women in energy and other sectors will be so normalized that special conversations about gender equity will no longer be necessary.

“Women should automatically be in these spaces,” she said. “I also think it’s important that men understand we’re not doing this to exclude them, but to uplift and promote women. This is not an either-or scenario.”

She urged men to become active partners in advancing gender equality by fostering safe and supportive work environments where women can thrive.

“We need men to be partners in this and to make sure that they’re creating a safe space for women to work in,” Graham-Maré emphasized. “True transformation requires collective action.”

Vision for South Africa’s Future

Addressing South African women directly, the Deputy Minister offered an inspiring message of hope and commitment: “We are working to make sure that you have the life that you dream of. We’re making sure that at some stage, we won’t have to have conversations about where women are at because women will just be where they need to be.”

This vision aligns with national and international goals to empower women economically, socially, and politically, recognizing that gender equality is essential to sustainable development and social justice.

The Broader Context of Women’s Month 2025

Women’s Month 2025 comes at a critical time when South Africa and the global community face intertwined challenges of climate change, economic inequality, and technological disruption. The energy sector, undergoing rapid transformation toward decarbonization and digitalization, offers vast opportunities—but also risks further marginalizing underrepresented groups if inclusivity is not prioritized.

Efforts such as the “Empowering Women in Energy” initiative demonstrate a growing commitment within government, industry, and civil society to create pipelines for female talent, leadership development programs, and policy reforms that dismantle systemic barriers.

Moving Forward: Actionable Steps

Key recommendations emphasized by Graham-Maré and echoed by stakeholders at the event include:

• Enhancing STEM education and mentorship programs for girls and young women to build a future-ready workforce.

• Implementing gender-sensitive workplace policies that address harassment, pay equity, and career advancement.

• Promoting men as allies and champions of gender equity to foster collaborative cultural change.

• Leveraging platforms like the G20 Energy Transitions Working Group to share best practices and mobilize resources for women’s empowerment in energy.

As South Africa honours its past and looks toward its future during Women’s Month, Deputy Minister Samantha Graham-Maré’s call to action serves as a powerful reminder that true transformation demands the inclusion and celebration of women’s contributions in all spheres. By embedding gender equity into the nation’s energy transition and broader development agenda, South Africa can create a more just, resilient, and prosperous society for all.