South Africa’s history is deeply marked by systemic inequalities rooted in apartheid policies, which strategically marginalized various groups based on race, class, and gender. Despite the formal end of apartheid and ongoing efforts toward transformation, South African women continue to navigate complex layers of oppression and privilege that shape their pathways to social change. This study critically examines the intersectionality of gender, race, and class in influencing women’s experiences of empowerment, activism, and social mobility within contemporary South Africa. Employing a qualitative research methodology, the study will utilize in-depth life history interviews, ethnographic observations, and focus group discussions among women from diverse racial and socio-economic backgrounds across urban and rural settings. The research aims to uncover how intersecting identities influence women’s access to resources, political participation, education, and economic opportunities, as well as their resilience and resistance strategies. It will also analyze the role of grassroots movements, social organizations, and policy frameworks in addressing layered inequalities. Anticipated findings will highlight how intersecting oppressions perpetuate disparities but also foster unique forms of agency and collective action. This research seeks to contribute to scholarly debates on intersectionality and social justice, offering nuanced insights into the multifaceted realities faced by South African women. It aims to inform more inclusive and intersectional gender policies, promoting social equity and transformative change aligned with South Africa’s ongoing transition toward equality.