Lived Reality and Law

One of the things that seemed most striking in South Africa was the difference between lived reality and law. For instance, while same-sex marriage is legal in that nation (a fact proudly promoted in official literature), the prevalence of “corrective rape” towards lesbians is extremely high. Most visibly, of course, is the fact that apartheid is no longer the law of the land yet racial segregation and inequitable access to resources is extensive.  There are still black and “coloured” townships and neighborhoods, and deeply rooted racism remains.

During our trip to the University of the Western Cape, we visited the Gender Equity Unit and talked to a woman named Mary Hames. Hames told us that we should not be fooled by the comparatively large number of women who hold power within South African government and society. These are patriarchal women, she said, and they do little to advance the position of women within South Africa. Additionally, because of the patriarchal system in which these women work, many begin to act in a patriarchal manner even if they did not start out behaving that way.

While Hames’ words may be difficult to hear for those who fight for and uphold the law above all else, they also serve as a call to all South Africans to avoid complacency.  For those who are part of the privileged minority, it may be easy to become content with the conveniences around them. And for those in power, it may seem that “equal” rights under law are the ultimate goal. However, if one looks outside of one’s own comfort, it is clear that, while formal laws are important, it will take widespread action for any real positive change to occur.