Discover the significant inspiring history behind the Women’s Day celebration and learn why it is important to South Africans across the world. Every year on the 9th of August, South Africa commemorates a pivotal moment in its history and calendar: Women’s Day. This national holiday is a powerful symbol of resilience, unity, and the unwavering spirit of women who have shaped our nation. To truly understand its significance and impact, we must delve into the heart of a nation that has grappled with oppression and inequality.

Why is Women’s Day important to South Africa?

You see, Women’s Day is not just about a day or an archived page in South African history. It is not about the “story” of what happened on that eventful day of August 9th, 1956. It is about an event that carved our identity as a people, changed the trajectory of our destiny, and molded our diverse cultures and differences to birth one nation. Women’s Day in South Africa is remembering the scars of our past oppression, that has become a celebration of what I theme to be “The tattoos of our freedom”. The 9th of August 1956 is the umbilical cord of our freedom and the navel of a democratic South Africa by its women. This is why we commemorate Women’s Day.

Women’s Day……The Catalyst for Change

Under the oppressive regime of apartheid, South Africa was a land divided by race, where basic human rights were denied to the majority of its citizens. Black South Africans, in particular, faced systemic discrimination and were subjected to a web of restrictive laws, including the infamous pass laws, which required Black South Africans to carry a document restricting their movement within the country.

This draconian law stripped individuals of their freedom and dignity, reducing them to mere subjects of a brutal regime. The oppressive weight of apartheid was felt most acutely by black women, as they faced a double burden of racial and gender discrimination.

It was against this backdrop that a spark of resistance ignited. On August 9, 1956, over 20,000 women from all walks of life converged on the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest the proposed amendments to the pass laws. This historic march was a watershed moment, a bold defiance against a system designed to subjugate. Led by indomitable women such as Lillian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa, and Sophia Williams-De Bruyn, the marchers stood in solidarity in their demand for freedom and equality. Their courage and determination were a beacon of hope in a dark era.

The women marched to the Union Buildings, carrying 14,000 petitions with over 100,000 signatures. These petitions were submitted to the then prime minister JG Strydom. They silently stood in protest for 30 minutes before breaking into a powerful song, “Wathint’ abafazi, wathint’ imbokodo” (When you strike a woman, you strike a rock). This anthem became a rallying cry for women’s empowerment and resistance which still echoes as our ‘war cry’ in our modern day, as we continue our fight to challenge the ongoing inequalities and oppression of our day. They were not only raising their voice in song, but they also became the voice.

A Legacy of Resilience

The Women’s March of 1956 was a turning point in South Africa’s history which led to the proclamation of Women’s Day. It demonstrated the power of collective action and the indomitable spirit of women. While the march didn’t immediately abolish the pass laws, it ignited a flame of resistance that would eventually contribute to the downfall of apartheid.

The march catalyzed the women’s liberation movement in South Africa, denoting and proving the inherent protective traits and nature of women. These women assumed the role of lionesses, incubators of our freedom, heavily pregnant and expectant with giving birth to a free democratic South Africa for their children and its people, inspiring future generations of activists to fight for equality and justice. It highlighted the crucial role of women in the struggle against oppression and laid the foundation for the recognition of women’s rights in the post-apartheid era.

Today, 68 years after that momentous day of 9th August 1956, Women’s Day remains a cornerstone of resilience, unity, boldness, strength, and progress. It is a day to celebrate the achievements of South African women and to reflect on the challenges that persist. While significant strides have been made in terms of women’s rights, gender inequality persists in various forms, including economic disparities, gender-based violence, and under-representation in leadership positions.

Despite the progress made, South African women continue to face numerous challenges. Gender-based violence remains a pervasive issue, with women and girls experiencing high rates of sexual assault, domestic abuse, and femicide. Economic inequality also persists, with women often facing barriers to employment, earning lower wages than their male counterparts, and shouldering a disproportionate share of caregiving responsibilities. We are still a long way off, but we do not despair nor retreat.

Women’s Day, Honoring the Pioneers, Honoring the Unsung Heroines

While Lillian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa, and Sophia Williams-De Bruyn have received significant recognition for their immense contribution in organizing and leading the march, it’s essential to acknowledge the contributions of other remarkable women who led the 1956 Women’s March. Their courage and dedication were instrumental in mobilizing thousands of women to stand up against apartheid. As we celebrate Women’s Day, let us remember the patriotic sacrifices made by these extraordinary women 6 Women Who Helped Lead South Africa to Freedom.

Their legacy is a call to action, urging us to carry the torch forward and create a world where gender equality is a reality. We cannot afford to make the selfless and fierce sacrifices of our Esthers and Deborahs who came before us to be in vain. We owe it to them, to honour and celebrate all those women who decreased that we may increase. They went down below, for us to rise above and stand on their shoulders. We are standing on the shoulders of the Great Women Kings of our nation mentioned above and others including Winnie Mandela, Albertina Sisulu, Ida Mtwana, Ruth First, Charlotte Maxeke, Adelaide Tambo, Helen Suzman, Frene Ginwala, my grandmother Ruth Maseneo Kheswa, your grandmother Precious Mkhize, grandmother Edna Ndaba, Amina Cachalia, your grandmother Ntombizodwa Buthelezi, or grandmother Naledi Makgalemele to grandmother Frieda Moosa, and the list goes on.

Celebrating Women’s Day: Honoring the Past, Empowering the Future

Women’s Day in South Africa is more than just a public holiday; it’s a powerful platform to commemorate the sacrifices of our foremothers and inspire the next generation of leaders.

Celebrating Women’s Day involves more than just attending events or participating in marches. It requires a deep-rooted conscious commitment to uplifting women and creating a more equitable society. Here are some ways we can honor the past and shape the future: in what I reference – “Empower Her Power”

• Education and Awareness: Raising awareness about the historical significance of Women’s Day and the ongoing challenges and perils faced by women is crucial. Engaging in educational programs, workshops, and discussions can foster a deeper understanding of gender equality issues and motivational talks About – herservicehub. Ensuring and enforcing that our young women and women have equal access to the best education and upholding their human right to basic learning is the first step to improving a future woman. When we educate our girls Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, we are educating our future women and equipping them with the necessary knowledge, skills and tools to build their future.
• Mentorship and Empowerment: Investing in the next generation of women leaders is essential. Mentorship programs, leadership development initiatives, and skills training can empower young women to reach their full potential. (We Thank all those women mentors and institutions at Wits Business School through their WBS Women’s Leadership Development Programme giving themselves to empowering and mentoring our women and our young women lifting them as they rise The Standard Bank Top Women EmpowHER Conference series. As they Empower Her Power, ‘She becomes The Power’. 
• Supporting Women-Owned Businesses: Promoting and supporting women-owned businesses can contribute to economic empowerment and create opportunities for women to thrive.
• Advocacy and Activism: Continuing the fight for gender equality requires ongoing advocacy and activism. Participating in protests, signing petitions, and supporting organizations working for women’s rights are essential steps.

Celebrating Women’s Achievements: Applauding and celebrating the accomplishments of women in various fields is crucial. Highlighting their stories can inspire others and challenge stereotypes.

Conclusion: Carrying the Baton Forward

The Women’s March of 1956 was a shifting moment in South Africa’s history, a testament to the indomitable spirit of women who dared to challenge the status quo. Their unwavering persistence and belief in equality laid the foundation for the progress, we as beneficiaries, enjoy today.

Just as Our Former Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi  Miss Universe 2019 – Wikipedia eloquently expressed during the 68th Miss Universe The Miss Universe – The Greatest Celebration of Women final question, when the question was asked what is the important thing, we should be teaching young girls today? Her answer was a call to action for the nations and that” we should be teaching these young girls’ leadership and to take up space and cementing themselves. Let us empower the women around us, uplift their voices, and create opportunities for them to thrive. Together, we can build a South Africa where every woman can reach her full potential, free from discrimination and oppression.

They laid the foundation and paved the way for us, leaving their footprints in the sand and soil of our country and they became the foundation of a free South Africa we affectionately call the Motherland … Now it’s our turn to press and push forward, and not dropping the torch. How are you impacting tomorrow today? South Africa’s 1994 was impacted by this march on the 9th of August 1956 similarly with all other significant historic days of our national calendar. How are we impacting tomorrow 2050 today in 2024 as women of South Africa?
Play your part and take up your space in the frontline….

To honor the legacy of these trailblazing women, we invite you to share your stories of empowerment and inspiration. Use the hashtag #empowerherpower and tag our blog to be featured. Let’s create a powerful movement of women supporting women, together shaping a brighter future for generations to come. 

Happy Women’s Day! #Women’sDayCelebration #empowerherpower

Her Service Hub celebrates and acknowledges these remarkable women for making a difference and taking up their space to continuing the legacy set forth by our predecessors. These are phenomenal women from all walks of life contributing to raising the voice of women across all spectrums. They are undoubtedly women influencers making a positive impact to other women, empowering other women and fixing each other’s crowns. We salute and applaud you queens #empowerherpower #pszanelemakhubo #logainmokhele #ayandamthethwa #nokuthulakheswa #tshebeletsomathikga #drhopemachimanasibuyi #kamogelokeswa

#MissUniverse2019 #NationalWomen’sday

#women’smonth

#wbswomen’sleadershipdevelopmentprogramme

#standardbankempowerher

*^{_{Credit: South African History Online, 1956 August 9 Women’s march led by Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa and Sophia William DeBruyn
*Credit: Miss Universe Organization
*Credit: Miss Universe South Africa Organization
*Credit: Zozibini Tunzi
Link Credits: Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, Wits Business School, Standard Bank, Miss Universe Organization, Wikipedia}}