Last week four young women did a silent protest against rape while President Jacob Zuma was giving an address at the IEC results centre. They held up papers written “I am one in 3”, “10 years later”, “Khanga” and “#RememberKhwezi”, to remind us of the president’s infamous rape trial. But today, many people will celebrate Women’s Day, but we feel South Africa, with all our constitutional rights, is not always a safe place to be a woman. Here are some of the reasons why we are not in a celebratory mood this Women’s Day because frankly, sometimes it can suck being a woman in South Africa.

“We always have to work 10 times harder”

“You are often seen as a sex object and not a human being; everywhere we go regardless of what we’re wearing, men poke, pull and whistle as they please. We always have to prove ourselves in the workplace, work ten times harder, study more and explain why we deserve to be made partner in a company, especially when you’re a mother. It sucks being a woman because we will never find peace.” – Lerato Motsiri, Soweto

“We are faced with double standards every day”

“It sucks being a woman in South Africa because we are faced with double standards every day. We are encouraged to speak out about sexual harassment, but then get slut-shamed on social media for doing just that. We are encouraged to be independent, then seen as disobedient and not worthy of marriage. Men preach that they prefer less make-up and more natural hair, but are quick to cheat on you with a girl with the longest hair.” – Ziyanda Mhlungu, Nkandla

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“Being a black woman means being at the bottom of the food chain”

“Being a black woman is exhausting. It means being at the bottom of the food chain. Patriarchy is normalised, and the frequent street harassment is sickening. However, there are many beautiful things about being a black woman, it means good-hair day almost everyday, fuller lips and amazing sun-kissed skin.” – Makgotso Nkosi, Bronkhorstspruit

“There is no justice for women in our country”

“It sucks being a woman in South Africa because even if I’m better at doing a job than a male counterpart, I will still get paid less. It sucks because if I’m lesbian and I get raped, the justice department will not take my case seriously. I hate it because our president was acquitted for a rape case. There’s no justice for women in our country.” – Tina Redman, Pretoria

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“We are still not seen as equals”

“Even with the 22 years of democracy we are still not seen as equals. Women are still seen as weak, fragile and incapable beings.” – Nqobile Sithole, Ladysmith

“You are never free or safe”

“You are never free or safe. Having to walk the busy streets of the Jo’burg CBD everyday should be on an episode of 1000 Ways to Die. My boobs have become a safe place for my valuables because no one can snatch those away. I’m tired of trying to prove how strong women are, to the point where it seems like just another movement, and that absolutely sucks.” – Buhle Nikelo, Tsakane

“No one wants a black woman with a mouth”

“The sad reality is that even though we as women voice social issues that affect us such as rape culture, abuse and gender equality, we are still being bashed by guys who are not listening. [The poet] Vuyelwa Maluleka summed it up, “No one wants a black woman with a mouth.” It sucks to have to constantly explain ourselves.” – Grace Zwane, Voslorus

“It sucks having to prove your worth to everyone about everything”

“Being a black, 24-year-old woman in South Africa has to be one of the worst things in the world. More especially if you reside in Jo’burg, where I find myself walking uneasily in the streets. Having to constantly prove myself in the workplace as well as defining who I am in society while constantly being marginalised based on my hair, my body and my skin tone (yep, that’s three strikes and I’m out). It sucks having to prove your worth to everyone about everything.” – Koketso Masuluke, Kagiso

Photography: Tiisetso Moloi

What sucks about being a woman in South Africa? Let us know in the comments section below, or on Facebook and Twitter.