This Women’s Month, 1st for Women has unveiled its first-ever “Her and Now: Insights into the Women of South Africa 2025” report—a landmark study showing how South African women are quietly reshaping the meaning of power. Increasingly, they are choosing softness, balance, and self-preservation over the relentless grind of the “strong woman” archetype.
Based on qualitative and quantitative research with more than 4,000 women nationwide, the report paints a vivid picture of life at the intersection of progress and persistent inequality. While women today are more ambitious, outspoken, and connected than previous generations, they are also carrying heavier burdens—financial strain, safety concerns, and societal pressure to remain unbreakable.
“South African women are simultaneously more empowered, and more exhausted, than ever before,” says Dr. Reitumetse Mpholle, Senior Manager of Insights and Research Initiatives at 1st for Women. “The Her and Now report is our commitment to seeing women as they are—in all their complexity—and supporting them in ways that acknowledge both their strength and their need for rest.”
The findings reveal a cultural shift—a “gentle rebellion” where women are reframing rest, boundaries, and joy as radical acts of strength.
90% agree they are redefining success to include peace, not just achievement.
96% believe the right to exhale is as important as the drive to excel.
Yet, 43% say they rarely get uninterrupted time for themselves.
In this new definition of power, saying “no” is an act of preservation, joy is intentionally carved into schedules, and boundaries are non-negotiable. Only 11% now define success as career advancement, while 45% prioritise financial security, and 29% simply want a peaceful, balanced daily life.
Safety continues to cast a long shadow: just 6% of women feel safe after dark, and only 18% feel safe walking alone during the day. More than half say safety fears limit their daily activities.
Financial stress is equally heavy. Three in four women cite money as their biggest source of anxiety, and while 88% see financial independence as essential for happiness, 64% feel guilty about spending money on themselves. Tellingly, only 4% of women say joy feels effortless.
Yet amid the challenges, solidarity is growing. 65% of women say they always encourage other women, and an overwhelming 97% show up for them—even when it’s difficult. Many believe lasting change will be driven by women themselves, not institutions, and are building the futures they want through everyday acts of support.
For 1st for Women, this research is more than a snapshot—it’s a blueprint for action.
“Protection isn’t only about policies and products,” says Dr. Mpholle. “It’s about listening to women, understanding their lives, and responding with solutions that support their safety, financial security, emotional well-being, and agency. Her and Now is designed to guide real action and drive meaningful change.”
The Her and Now: Insights into the Women of South Africa 2025 report marks the start of an annual series, tracking the evolving realities, aspirations, and needs of South African women as they continue to rewrite the narrative of power on their own terms.