ADVANCING
WOMEN’S
EMANCIPATION,
GENDER EQUALITY
AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
The Progressive Women’s Movement of South Africa (PWMSA) is committed to uniting progressive women and strengthening collective action towards the advancement, empowerment and emancipation of women.
Through advocacy, mobilisation, partnerships and grassroots engagement, PWMSA works towards a South Africa in which women participate meaningfully in the social, political and economic life of the country.
UNITED FOR GENDER EQUALITY. UNITED FOR WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT.
About Us
The Progressive Women’s Movement of South Africa (PWMSA) was established on the 08th August 2006 in Bloemfontein in response to the ongoing marginalisation of women to consolidate efforts aimed at addressing the social, political and economic challenges faced by women. The movement seeks to promote equality, protect women’s rights and ensure women’s active participation in shaping the future of South Africa.
The Progressive Women’s Movement of South Africa is a broad-based women’s movement established to consolidate efforts aimed at addressing the social, political and economic challenges confronting women.
PWMSA seeks to promote equality, protect women’s rights and strengthen the participation of women in shaping the future of South Africa.
The Movement’s work is rooted in the historic struggles of South African women and draws inspiration from generations of women who organised and mobilised against discrimination, exclusion and oppression.
PWMSA was formalised in 2006, building on the longstanding tradition of organised women’s activism and the legacy of the 1956 Women’s March.
As the Movement continues to strengthen its structures and programmes, it remains committed to collective action, inclusive participation and the advancement of women across all spheres of society.
Our Mandate
The mandate of the Progressive Women’s Movement of South Africa is to:
• Unite women around a common women’s agenda.
• Strengthen relationships between women’s organisations and relevant institutions.
• Provide a platform for women committed to advancing the rights and interests of women.
• Challenge discrimination against women in all spheres of life.
• Promote gender equality, women’s empowerment and emancipation.
• Mobilise women around social, political and economic challenges.
• Strengthen collective responses to Gender-Based Violence and Femicide.
• Promote women’s meaningful participation in leadership and decision-making.
• Advance economic opportunities and empowerment for women.
• Support education, skills development and opportunities for young women.
• The Special Alliance Conference reaffirmed the importance of collective action,
stronger structures and coordinated interventions to advance the women’s agenda.
