Purpose: The aim of this paper is to provide analysis and insight which addresses the over-determined discrimination of so-called coloured and black South African women, not just on the basis of gender but racial hierarchies still prevalent as well in the rainbow nation. Design/methodology/approach: The observations grapple with reconciling the political rhetoric of equality based on the new constitution and new legislation with the realpolitik of race and gender relations as they affect the lives of women. The complexity of negotiating the values and problems inherited from apartheid while infusing new faith in democracy is reflected in the paper on gender and empowerment. Findings: The paper does not simply present women as victims of apartheid legacy, but discloses the skewed social and cultural circumstances reproducing the cycle of their impoverishment. To counter the narratives of struggle and to balance the research and findings successful interventions by NGOs, CBOs and grassroots organizations are illustrated. Originality/value: The paper provides the insights of how gender-conscious organizations act as part and parcel of the overall democratisation process of South African society. Furthermore, it highlights the role of digital information and communication technologies (ICTs) in gender and empowerment activities.