“We stand on the shoulders of generations of inspiring women from South Africa and across Africa, women whose courage, wisdom, and vision continue to shape our destiny. A society that invests in the voices, knowledge, and leadership of women invests in its own progress. At the HSRC, our transformation mandate to empower women is not only the right thing to do, but also the foundation for building an equitable and prosperous organisation, country, and continent. We should not do it alone. As I often say, surround yourself with powerful women and progressive men.”  – Prof Sarah Mosoetsa, CEO, HSRC

This Women’s Month, South Africa honours the remarkable contributions of women who, every day, shape our nation’s future. From the villages of Limpopo to the boardrooms of Johannesburg, from research laboratories to community development initiatives, women are leading, innovating, nurturing, and transforming society.

While gender-based violence (GBV) and systemic inequality remain urgent challenges, they do not define the narrative of South African women. Instead, that story is defined by resilience, collective strength, and an unwavering determination to build a society where every woman can live free, thrive, and lead. At the HSRC, that vision is embedded in our work and we are proving that change is not only possible, but already underway.

Research with purpose

South Africa’s official Women’s Month 2025 theme focuses on implementing proactive measures to prevent GBVF, promote healthy, respectful behaviour among men and boys, and create safe, equitable environments for women and girls. The HSRC has long been a leader in research that addresses some of the most pressing issues affecting women. By placing women’s voices at the centre of our work, we illuminate lived experiences while developing evidence-based pathways for empowerment and systemic transformation.

Our flagship initiatives reflect and reinforce this theme:

• South African National Gender-Based Violence Study (2022): This groundbreaking research, the first of its kind, maps the prevalence, causes, and impact of GBV. It informs interventions that aim to disrupt cycles of violence. The work shapes policy, strengthens communities and protects lives.
• Agrarian Rural Household Economy (2023): By highlighting how gender shapes rural economic realities and persistent inequalities, this research points to opportunities where policy and community action can uplift women and is critical for building safe and supportive environments in rural areas.
• Public Relationship with Science Survey: When we understand how women engage with science and technology, we can build inclusive policies, promote equitable funding, and remove barriers to full participation in STEM fields.
• G20 Women & Girls in Science Side Events: In February 2025, our inaugural event brought together leaders to spotlight challenges in STEM equality. Now, the upcoming second side event will translate conversations into gender‑responsive innovation policy and equitable funding frameworks, a key step toward closing the STEM gender gap.

Further, our involvement in the South African Chapter of W20, culminating in the Johannesburg W20 Summit from 12-14 October 2025, ensures South Africa contributes actively to global strategies for women’s empowerment.

Building the future we all deserve

This Women’s Month, the HSRC is both celebrating progress and deepening its commitment to action, not as passive observers, but as active change agents. Our research is not academic: it’s a catalyst for social change, a platform to strengthen policy, and a megaphone for the voices of South African women. We invite all South Africans to join us in this work to celebrate women’s achievements, to stand against GBV, to support women’s leadership, and to build a South Africa and a world where every woman’s potential is limitless.