Every year on 9 August, South Africa celebrates National Women’s Day. It is more than an opportunity to honour the women in our families, workplaces and communities. The day has deep historical significance and reminds us of the courage of women who stood together to demand justice and equality.
A Day Born From Courage
National Women’s Day commemorates the historic 1956 Women’s March, when thousands of women marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest against the extension of apartheid pass laws to women.
Women from different backgrounds united around a common purpose. Their actions demonstrated that women were not simply observers of South Africa’s political struggles—they were leaders and active participants in shaping the country's future.
The march is remembered through the powerful phrase “Wathint’ Abafazi, Wathint’ Imbokodo”, commonly understood as “You strike a woman, you strike a rock.” It became a symbol of women's strength, resistance and determination.
Celebrating Women Beyond History
The importance of Women’s Day extends beyond remembering the events of 1956. Today, South African women continue to make significant contributions in education, healthcare, business, technology, science, politics, sport, the arts and many other areas.
Women are entrepreneurs creating employment, researchers developing new ideas, teachers educating future generations and community leaders helping people overcome everyday challenges. Many are also balancing professional responsibilities with caring for their families and communities.
Recognising these contributions is an important part of Women’s Day.
Challenges Still Remain
Celebration should also come with reflection. Despite significant progress, many women continue to experience inequality, unemployment, discrimination, gender-based violence and unequal access to economic opportunities.
Creating a more equal society therefore requires more than celebrating women once a year. Workplaces should provide fair opportunities for women to develop and lead. Girls should have access to quality education and opportunities in fields where women remain underrepresented. Communities must also create environments where women and girls can live without fear of violence or harassment.
Men also have an important role to play. Gender equality cannot be achieved by women alone. It requires families, communities, institutions and individuals to challenge discrimination and promote respect.
Women and the Future of South Africa
As South Africa enters an increasingly digital and technology-driven future, women must also be included in emerging opportunities.
Fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, software development, engineering and data science will play an increasingly important role in the economy. Encouraging more women and girls to participate in these industries can help reduce inequality while bringing different perspectives and ideas into technological development.
Supporting women entrepreneurs is equally important. Access to funding, mentorship, digital skills and business opportunities can help women build sustainable businesses and contribute to economic growth.
More Than a Celebration
Women’s Day should ultimately be both a celebration and a call to action.
We can honour the women who marched in 1956 by continuing the work they helped begin: creating a society where women have equal opportunities, where their voices are respected and where their safety and dignity are protected.
The courage demonstrated by those women decades ago continues to carry an important message for South Africa today. Progress becomes possible when people are willing to stand together against inequality.
This Women’s Day, we celebrate the women who came before us, recognise those making a difference today and invest in the girls and young women who will shape South Africa tomorrow.
Happy Women’s Day, South Africa.
Comments