The UN in South Africa pays tribute to Gertrude Shope, icon of Social Justice and Gender Equality

Pretoria – It is with profound sadness that the United Nations in South Africa mourns the passing of Ms. Gertrude Shope, a formidable trade unionist, tireless advocate for women's rights, and a steadfast champion of social justice and liberation.

“Ms. Shope’s unwavering commitment to the rights of workers, women and marginalised communities as well as her stellar contribution to the liberation struggle reflected the very essence of the UN’s values,” said Nelson Muffuh, the head of the UN in South Africa and its Resident Coordinator.

“As we honour her legacy, we are reminded that the path to a just, inclusive, and equal society is built by courageous leaders like her. The UN family stands in solidarity with her family and the people of South Africa as we celebrate her contribution to the country’s freedom,” added Mr. Muffuh.

Throughout her life, Ms. Shope exemplified the values of equality, dignity, and human rights for all. A courageous leader during South Africa’s struggle for liberation and democracy, her contributions extended far beyond political activism. She dedicated her life to uplifting workers, empowering women, and defending the rights of most vulnerable – efforts that echo the UN’s mission to build inclusive and just societies and leave no one behind.

In her message of condolences, Aleta Miller, the Representative of the UN Women in South Africa, said: “We mourn the loss of Ms. Shope, a towering figure in the struggle for gender equality and social justice.”

According to Ms. Miller, her life’s work laid the foundation for many of the rights and freedoms women in South Africa enjoy today. “She was not only a trailblazer in the fight against apartheid, but also for the principles now embodied in the Women Peace and Security (WPS) agenda. She championed women’s participation in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and democratic governance. She was a fearless advocate for the empowerment of women in every sphere of life.

Ms. Shope’s international activism during her years in exile helped elevate South Africa’s liberation cause on the global stage, aligning with UN-backed efforts to end apartheid and promote human rights. She built solidarities across borders, placing women’s voices and experiences at the centre of global peace and justice discourses decades before the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda was formally adopted.

Her leadership helped lay the groundwork for policies that now form part of the UN’s approach to inclusive peace and sustainable development. After South Africa's democratic transition, she continued to influence national development and gender policy, supporting programmes that targeted poverty, inequality, and education – pillars central to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

For media enquiries please contact: Eunice Namugwe, UN Information Centre – Pretoria, Email: namugwe@un.org, Tel : +27 71 6828310.