My Dream is to be Bold

Abstract

For nearly everyone in South Africa, 1994 was a time of hope. Women's struggles and organizing efforts meant women occupied positions of power. However, the truth today is that capitalist patriarchy is still intact and gross inequalities continue to divide and haunt women. Feminist Alternatives (FemAL) is a group of feminist activists in South Africa working against sexism and oppression. They are committed to helping unite the voices and actions of women in poor and working-class communities across national boundaries amd borders. This book is the fruit of their collective efforts and provides a unique insight into the lives and thinking of 19 South African-based activists who bring a feminist perspective to their work and daily lives. From differning vantage points they offer a critique of women's position in South Africa today and give new meaning to women's knowledge, analysis, vision and actions for change. They suggest that rights and freedoms for women are the litmus test of meaningful change, and assert that any notion of sustainable transformation must insist on radical ruptures with patriarchy.