Women's contributions to South Africa's truth and reconciliation commission

Truth and reconciliation in South Africa: how women contributed

By: Gobodo-Madikizela P
Produced by: Women Waging Peace, Cambridge and Washington , 2005

The study examines the South African Truth and Reconciliation Comission (TRC), paying particular attention to the qualities that women brought to the process of transitional justice. Information was gathered through interviews with different categories of participants in the TCR, with special focus on women of diverse races and classes, and who played different roles. The study concludes that the success of the TRC is due to its transparency and inclusiveness, particularly in terms of including women activists. Women's leadership contributed to a compassionate and nurturing ethic on the TRC that promoted reconciliation.