By Cheryl Zulu – Varsity College (Pretoria Campus)

“In a world that wants me to whisper, I will scream.” – Luvvie Ajayi

In the grand tapestry of history, where tales of progress and struggle interweave, there lies a chapter of courage and determination that deserves our undivided attention. As we celebrate a century of women in law in South Africa, we embark on a journey through time, revisiting the cases that once denied women admission to the legal profession, and marvel at the resilience of those who shattered these oppressive barriers, allowing justice to truly be blind.

A century ago, the legal profession stood as a domain reserved for a select few, woven tightly with the threads of tradition and societal expectations. Women, despite possessing the intellect, passion, and drive to contribute, were relegated to the periphery. The courtroom’s hallowed halls echoed with the voices of men, while women’s aspirations for a seat at the table were met with closed doors and unjust precedents.

In the face of adversity, it was the audacity of courage that fuelled the first sparks of change. The cases that denied women entry into the legal profession, paradoxically, sowed the seeds of transformation. As women’s dreams collided with societal norms, their refusal to be silenced spoke volumes. Among these remarkable women, one name shines with timeless brilliance: Bertha Solomon. In the case of “Solomon v. University of Cape Town” (1923), she courageously confronted the denial of her application to study law, igniting a legal flame that would not be extinguished.

The courtroom became a battleground of principles, where advocacy for gender equality was passionately woven into legal arguments. As justice stood in the balance, the denial of women’s rights to enter the legal profession became an issue that transcended personal ambitions. The cases that challenged these norms, such as “Dey v. Minister of Justice” (1997), painted a vivid picture of the collective pursuit of justice, defying the prejudice of the past.

From these struggles emerged a phoenix of change, women who would not be confined to the margins of society’s script. It is in the annals of history that we find the resolute stories of Ethel

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Lategan, Victoria Mxenge, and many others, who, through their resilience, illuminated the path for future generations. These stories were not merely battles fought within the confines of a courtroom; they were the seeds of societal transformation, narratives that ignited the flame of gender parity in all facets of life.

As we commemorate a century of women in law, we stand in awe of the extraordinary milestones achieved, the glass ceilings shattered, and the prejudices obliterated. The cases that once denied women admission to the legal profession stand today as beacons of empowerment. They are reminders that progress requires not only visionary individuals but also systemic change and unwavering solidarity.

In the hallowed halls of justice, where the echoes of these battles still resonate, we bear witness to the legacy of those who dared to challenge the status quo. The journey was never simple, the path was strewn with obstacles, yet their conviction carved a path where none existed. We honour these trailblazers for their audacity to dream, their tenacity to persevere, and their courage to demand equality.

As we raise our glasses to a century of women in law, let us toast to the triumph of the human spirit. Let us commit to nurturing a world where justice flourishes without discrimination, where the legal profession stands as a testament to the resilience of those who fought for a future, they believed in. Let us remember that every milestone achieved was once a distant dream, every precedent set was once a challenge to the norm. The legacy of these women speaks to the power of perseverance, the beauty of unity, and the promise of progress.

As we stand on the threshold of progress, let us remember that the celebration of women in law is not merely a reflection on the past, but a commitment to the future. Let us build upon this legacy, embracing diversity, championing equality, and ensuring that every woman’s dream of entering the legal profession can be realised without the shackles of gender bias. In celebrating these cases, we celebrate the power of determination and the triumph of the human spirit.