Honouring women in civil society requires more than applause during August. It demands structural investment in their sustainability, well-being, and organisational capacity year-round. As Women’s Month draws to a close, this is the appeal from Inyathelo, The South African Institute for Advancement, paying tribute to the extraordinary female leaders, activists, and social workers who form the backbone of the country’s civil society.

 

While August traditionally shines a national spotlight on women empowerment, Inyathelo emphasises that the relentless dedication of women in the non-profit organisation (NPO) sector is not a monthly affair. It is a 365-day commitment to community survival, equity, and sustainable development.

 

South Africa’s NPO sector, comprising nearly 300,000 registered non-profits, represents one of the country's most vital social safety nets. According to sector data, women make up an estimated 65% to 70% of the NPO workforce, occupying pivotal roles ranging from grassroots community care to executive directorships, financial governance, and board leadership. Furthermore, the bulk of all community-based organisations in South Africa are founded or executive-led by women, underscoring their decisive role in driving local impact where state and corporate reach often falls short.

 

“Women in civil society are not just participants in social change. They are the chief architects of community resilience and overwhelmingly we see women naturally showing up for the nation,” said Feryal Domingo, Inyathelo Acting Executive Director. “While Women's Month provides a welcome moment for celebration, the work does not pause on 1 September. Every day, female social leaders navigate tough funding climates, economic headwinds, and profound social challenges to deliver essential services, from early childhood development and food security to legal aid and gender-based violence support.”

 

The impact of women leadership in the non-profit domain is reflected not only in frontline delivery but also in executive acknowledgement and international acclaim. In recent years, female-led South African civil society organisations have earned prestigious national and global honours, including recognition at the annual South African NGO Leadership Awards, civil society fellowships, and international human rights commendations.

 

These accolades reflect a sector increasingly defined by rigorous corporate governance, strategic advancement, and high-impact social return - all hallmarks championed by female directors and board members across the country.

 

Despite these triumphs, female leaders in civil society continue to bear a disproportionate burden of emotional labour, burn-out, and funding volatility. Moving beyond symbolic recognition, Inyathelo calls on corporate donors, philanthropic foundations and government partners to back NPOs with long-term, funding and targeted, intentional capacity development.

 

Inyathelo reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to supporting women across the non-profit spectrum through capacity-building workshops, governance training, advisory services, and advancement resources designed to ensure their vital work thrives well into the future.