South African women played a significant role in the struggle against human rights violations during the 1950s and 1960s, particularly in their opposition to the apartheid regime, which was established in 1948.
In 1954, a group of women formed the Federation of South African Women (FSAW) to fight against discriminatory laws and policies that targeted Black and Coloured South Africans. The FSAW organized peaceful protests, marches, and boycotts, and they also lobbied the government and the international community to take action against apartheid.
One of the most notable events organized by the FSAW was the Women's March on August 9, 1956. More than 20,000 women of all races marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest against the introduction of passes for Black women, which restricted their movement and violated their human rights. This march is still celebrated as National Women's Day in South Africa.
Other women's organizations also played important roles in the struggle against apartheid. For example, the Black Sash was a group of white women who opposed apartheid and campaigned for the rights of Black South Africans. They were known for wearing black sashes to demonstrate their solidarity with those who were oppressed.
Overall, South African women played an important role in the fight against human rights violations during this time, and their activism helped to raise awareness about the injustices of apartheid and pave the way for greater social and political change.