How a feminist movement continues to empower the Wild Coast Women of South Africa

Defying entrenched norms, a transformative movement in the Western Cape region, led by resilient women, is reshaping history. They have safeguarded their communities from environmental threats and fought for economic justice. From halting offshore drilling proposals to demanding equitable access to fishing licenses, their journey reflects the power of feminist activism in fostering sustainable change.

The Western Cape is a beautiful region. In fact, the stretch from Cape Town to “the edge of Africa” is a stunning blend of nature and human creativity. Alongside the meandering roads, once-arid landscapes have transformed into thriving agricultural hubs through modern irrigation systems. Today, mango orchards, strawberry fields, and wheat plantations paint the horizon in vibrant colours. But beyond this remarkable transformation, something even more inspiring is taking root.

Just moments from the ocean, a determined group of women is rewriting history. They are feminists who have dared to challenge a system that has marginalized their communities for generations. Their most notable victory was successfully halting an environmentally hazardous proposal by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) to grant global conglomerates exploration rights to conduct offshore drilling along the Wild Coast.

Yes, they did it, and they won.

Theirs is a powerful testament to the impact of radical feminism when strategically mobilized. It is proof that dismantling oppressive systems can bring about lasting benefits for entire communities. But their fight did not begin or end with Shell’s temporary defeat.

A few years ago, these women took to the streets of Cape Town in a peaceful demonstration, demanding that the government implement policies to empower local women in the Western Cape by granting them fishing licenses. Their call was clear: women, who have long been integral to the fishing industry, deserve fair access to the resources that sustain their livelihoods.

The movement continues to grow, advocating for climate justice, economic justice, environmental sustainability, and gender equality.

“We fought against the exclusion of women from our biggest economic opportunity, knowing it would not be easy since the oceans have always been reserved and dominated by men. But we stood our ground and demanded our share,” Debra McQuin, Founder and Chairperson of Spirit of Endeavour Fisherwomen says.

In many communities, disempowered women comply with restrictive social norms, not because they accept the status quo, but because the system is so rigid that it leaves them voiceless. But silence is no longer an option.

Empowerment Through Knowledge

Recognizing the need for systemic change, FEMNET, a feminist movement in Africa, partnered with Natural Justice, a civil society organization specializing in human rights and environmental law, to train these women on their advocacy strategies, legal rights, and economic opportunities. Armed with knowledge, they pushed back against the barriers that had long held them captive.

Their efforts have paid off.

“Today, 60% of the fishers in our community are women, many of them widows and single mothers. They are feeding their children, sending them to school, and living a decent life,” Wendy Pekeur, Founder of Ubuntu, Rural Women and Youth Movement, and a Member of FEMNET says.

This victory is a testament to the depth of effort required to dismantle patriarchy and the profound societal benefits of women’s economic empowerment. But is this enough?

The movement’s leaders recognize that true change is an ongoing process.

“Step by step, Jeph. We celebrate this victory because these women challenged a system that disempowered them, but we are conscious of the need for holistic transformation, including sustained male engagement programs. And we will get there,” Farida Aliwa, Executive Director of Natural Justice states.

“We challenge narratives prioritizing economic growth and profits over environmental sustainability and social well-being. We shall continue to support women from the West Coast, to leverage their local knowledge in creating sustainable solutions,” asserts Anne Tek, the FEMNET’s Climate Justice Coordinator.

At the heart of these successes is the African Activists for Climate Justice (AACJ), a consortium led by the Pan African Alliance for Climate Justice (PACJA). The AACJ brings together five dynamic partners—AYC, FEMNET, Oxfam Novib, Natural Justice, and PACJA—under a five-year program funded by the Dutch government to promote locally led climate action by empowering communities.

In February 2025, the Dutch government announced plans to implement structural spending cuts of €2.4 billion on development aid starting in 2027, potentially affecting climate action funding. I hope it doesn’t. The progress achieved through such programs is undeniable. What is needed is expansion, not another “freezing order.”

Despite this bombshell by the Dutch Government, FEMNET remains focused on the future.

“Our approach is to devise sustainable solutions that ensure the project continues beyond the AACJ initiative, with or without donor funding,” Anne Tek emphasizes.

Perhaps, this is the time to let the courageous women of the Wild Coast lead these donor engagements. They are the most powerful advocates I have ever met!

Jephiter Tsamwi is a gender and #climatejustice advocate based in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Edited by Pius Okore.