Frauen Gegen Apartheid

In September 1977, Deborah Mabiletsa of the Black Women's Federation visited the Federal Republic of Germany and met with lay activist women in Evangelische Frauenarbeit in Deutschland (Evangelical Women's Federation [EFD]). In October 1977 the South African government banned the Black Women's Federation. Inspired by the visit, in November 1977 EFD launched a boycott campaign of South African fruit and Frauen gegen Apartheid (Women against Apartheid) was established. Despite opposition from the official church hierarchy, EFD/ Frauen gegen Apartheid continued various anti-apartheid campaigns for over 15 years. Activities included a boycott campaign against Krugerrand gold coin and campaigns against banks making loans to South Africa. For 15 years these women - and a handful of men as well- kept vigil every Thursday in front of the South African consulate.