ANC Women's League

In 1943 women were formally admitted as ANC members. The ANCWL was formed in 1948. Even if the ANCWL activities gave them a new standing among ANC men, women still found themselves in a disadvantaged situation: they lacked skills and education; they were responsible for their children and their households; and the traditional image of women as weak, dependent creatures hampered the real involvement of women in the ANC structures and policies. But internally the ANCWL struggled to developed an identity and systematic, consistent approach to policies. An ANCWL constitution was adopted. Activities in this era centred mainly on mass action concerning passes and education. In 1984 the ANC accepted the attribute "non-sexist" in its vision for a new South Africa.