National Women's Day

National Women's Day is a public holiday in South Africa held every 9 August. It honours the 1956 march of 20,000 women to the Union Buildings in Pretoria, protesting apartheid pass laws and highlighting ongoing struggles for women's rights.

• Commemorates the 1956 march of 20,000 women in Pretoria
• Observed annually on 9 August across South Africa
• The protest song 'Wathint'Abafazi Wathint'imbokodo!' is central to the day
• Focuses on women's rights and ongoing social issues
• First celebrated as a public holiday in 1995

What it is

National Women's Day is a significant public holiday in South Africa, observed each year on 9 August. It marks the anniversary of the 1956 march, when thousands of women from all backgrounds united in Pretoria to protest the pass laws that enforced racial segregation during apartheid. The day serves as a powerful reminder of women's courage and their ongoing fight for equality, justice, and recognition in society. It is a time for reflection on the progress made and the challenges that remain for women in South Africa.

Where it comes from

The holiday commemorates the historic march on 9 August 1956, when over 20,000 women gathered at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. Led by figures such as Lillian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa, and Sophia Williams, the women protested against the pass laws that restricted the movement of Black South Africans. They delivered thousands of petitions and stood in silence before singing the protest song 'Wathint'Abafazi Wathint'imbokodo!'—a phrase that has since become a symbol of women's strength. National Women's Day was first officially celebrated in 1995, recognizing this pivotal moment in the struggle against apartheid.

How it is celebrated

On National Women's Day, South Africans come together to remember the bravery of the women who marched in 1956 and to raise awareness about ongoing issues such as domestic violence, gender inequality, and access to education. The day is marked by rallies, speeches, and community events across the country. Some years see reenactments of the original march, with participants retracing the steps to the Union Buildings. The phrase 'you strike a woman, you strike a rock' is often invoked, symbolizing resilience and unity. Cultural performances, discussions, and acts of solidarity highlight the contributions and challenges of women in South Africa.

Joining in

Visitors in South Africa on 9 August will find the main commemorations in Pretoria, especially at the Union Buildings, where the original march took place. Expect public gatherings, speeches, and cultural events that welcome all who wish to learn about the history and ongoing significance of the day. While it is a public holiday, many museums and community centres host special exhibitions and discussions, offering insight into the role of women in South Africa’s past and present.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article National Women's Day, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• National Women's Day on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

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