South African women who never marry has increased to 57%
The share of South African women who had never married went up from 44.7% in 1996 to 57.1% in 2022.
During the same time, the percentage of married women in South Africa dropped from 38.8% to 25.6%.
The lower marriage rate showed in the share of women who were divorced or separated, which fell from 5.0% to 2.6%.
The share of women in cohabiting relationships rose from 4.9% to 8.2%, which showed that marriage is losing some of its appeal.
This data was released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) in a press statement on women’s progress in democratic South Africa.
It said that as South Africa celebrates 30 years of constitutional democracy and census-taking, data provide a lens through which to assess women’s progress.
This data showcases women’s gains in education, employment, and leadership between 1996 and 2022.
“Since 1996, South Africa has made strides in improving their lives and opportunities,” Statistics South Africa said.
“Women have played an increasingly important role in the country’s development, contributing to labour markets, education, and household leadership.”
Between 1996 and 2022, women have achieved better educational outcomes, increased participation in professional sectors, and greater visibility in leadership roles.
For example, school attendance among young women increased steadily, reflecting expanded access to schooling.
Improved education has helped increase women’s participation in the labour market and diversify into professional, financial, and technical sectors.
Women’s roles as household heads have shifted significantly over the last three decades.
In 1996, almost two out of five households were headed by females. In 2022, almost half of all households were headed by women.
The charts below give an overview of the changes seen in South Africa between 1996 and 2022.
Distribution of females aged 15 and older by marital status
Distribution of females aged 20 and older by highest level of education
Proportion of female-headed households
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