National Women's Day
Guide to the date, history, cultural origins and celebration traditions of National Women's Day in South Africa.
History & Origins of National Women's Day
National Women's Day in South Africa, celebrated on August 9th, commemorates the historic 1956 march of over 20,000 women of all races to the Union Buildings in Pretoria. Led by heroic activists like Lilian Ngoyi and Helen Joseph, they marched to protest the apartheid pass laws that restricted the movement of black women, chanting the iconic phrase: 'Wathint' abafazi, wathint' imbokodo' (You strike a woman, you strike a rock).
How It Is Observed & Celebrated
South Africans celebrate by hosting women's empowerment forums, community awards honoring female leaders, cultural performances, and peaceful marches advocating for gender equality and ending domestic violence.
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