Ray Alexander: Women’s Federation – Thirty Years
(Sechaba Interview with Ray Alexander on the 30 th Anniversary of the Federation of South African Women, Sechaba, April 1984).
On the 17th of April 1954, the Federation of South African Women (FEDSAW) was born at a conference attended by more than 150 delegates representing over 230 000 women. Representatives of women’s organisations came from different areas of South Africa, including many towns in the Cape, as well as Durban, Port Elizabeth, East London and Johannesburg itself, where the conference was held.
The conference was opened by Ray Alexander, a veteran of our women’s and people’s struggle, who spoke of the important role women played in the past, and must play in the present and future of our country. Conference elected Ray general secretary of the Federation, but the government imposed a severe banning order on her – banning her from holding office and participating in more than forty organisations, among which was the Federation.
On the occasion of the thirtieth anniversary of the Federation, ‘Sechaba’ interviewed Comrade Ray Alexander on the Federation and its work.
Question: Could you give us a brief account of the events that led to the formation of the Federation of South African Women?
Answer: The Federation came about as a result of the development of our women’s struggles. It’s birth must therefore be seen not merely in terms of the conference of 17 April 1954. As far ba
