National Women’s Day is a significant South African public holiday that commemorates the historic 1956 march where approximately 20,000 women protested against apartheid pass laws.
Quick Facts
When is it: August 9th annually
Tagged as: South African Public Holiday
What’s the hashtag: #WomenPower #WathintAbafazi
When was it founded: First celebrated in 1995
Who founded it: South African government post-apartheid
History
The day honors the brave actions of over 20,000 South African women who marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria on August 9, 1956. They protested against the pass laws that required Black South Africans to carry passbooks, which were used to maintain population segregation during apartheid.
Timeline
- 1956: The historic women’s march to Union Buildings
- 1995: First official celebration as National Women’s Day
- 2006: 50th anniversary reenactment of the march
- 2009: Unveiling of Frances Baard statue in Kimberley
Dates for Next Year
| Year | Month | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | August | 9 | Saturday |
| 2026 | August | 9 | Sunday |
| 2027 | August | 9 | Monday |
| 2028 | August | 9 | Wednesday |
| 2029 | August | 9 | Thursday |
How It Is Observed
The day is marked by nationwide celebrations, commemorative events, and women’s rights advocacy programs. The famous phrase “Wathint’Abafazi Wathint’imbokodo” (You strike a woman, you strike a rock) remains a powerful symbol of women’s strength.
Fun Facts About National Women’s Day
The march leaders included Lillian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa, and Sophia Williams. They delivered 14,000 petitions to the Prime Minister’s office and stood in silence for 30 minutes.
Quiz
- In which year did the historic women’s march take place?
- How many women participated in the original march?
- What does “Wathint’Abafazi Wathint’imbokodo” mean?
-(Answers: 1956; 20,000; “Now you have touched the women, you have struck a rock”)
FAQs
- Is it a public holiday? Yes, it’s a national public holiday in South Africa
- Is it the same as International Women’s Day? No, it’s specifically a South African holiday
- Do other countries celebrate it? No, it’s unique to South Africa
- Is it a public holiday? Yes, it’s a national public holiday in South Africa
- Is it the same as International Women’s Day? No, this is specifically a South African holiday
- Do other countries celebrate it? No, it’s unique to South Africa
Importance of National Women’s Day
The day highlights ongoing issues affecting South African women, including domestic violence, workplace discrimination, unequal pay, and education access. Since its inception, women’s representation in Parliament has increased from 2.7% to approximately 48%.
Related Celebrations
- International Women’s Day (March 8)
- Women’s Month (August in South Africa)
- 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence
- Women’s Equality Day