What gender legislative reforms have meant for women in South Africa

South Africa is a much better place to live in today than before 1994. Having witnessed largely peaceful transition from pariah apartheid State democratic where equality guaranteed the law, country offers rights and justice for all. The Constitution of Republic , 1996 set out rectify injustices past eliminate various forms discrimination that were hallmarks an State. Gender was focal point reforms introduced legislation government programmes new society. In this article I explore what these gendered legislative measures have meant African women, whether brought about positive change their lives. Framed within feminist epistemological methodological approach, draw on results qualitative study women. form part larger mixed methods employing both quantitative components. Qualitative individual interviews as well focus groups conducted. For majority women interviewed, promulgation viewed progressive. Women are now recognised full citizen, access opportunities, experience more autonomy choice. However, participants raised numerous shortcomings legislation, challenges they experienced daily some participants, transformative changes anticipated social economic spheres not been realised.