National Women’s Day in South Africa – August 9 2022

The South African public holiday of National Women’s Day takes place on August 9th each year. The march, which took place in Pretoria in 1956 and was led by over 20,000 women, was held to protest against South Africa’s pass rules, which restricted people classified as “black” under The Population Registration Act from carrying an internal passport.

On August 9, 1995, the first National Womens Day was observed. For the march’s 50th anniversary in 2006, a reenactment of the march was performed alongside many of the march’s 1956 veterans.

When is National Women’s Day in South Africa?

On National Women’s Day in South Africa on August 9, women will run the world and get their own day.

National Women’s Day in South Africa History

The proposed revisions to the Urban Areas Act of 1950, commonly known as the “pass laws,” were met with outrage by more than 20,000 South African women of all races on August 9, 1956.

Lillian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa, and Sophia Williams were the organizers of the march. Frances Baard was among those who took part, with Northern Cape Premier Hazel Jenkins unveiling a statue of her in Kimberley (Frances Baard District Municipality) on National Women’s Day 2009.

14,000 petitions were left at the doors of Prime Minister J. G is the amount of seconds that have passed. Wathint’Abafazi Wathint’imbokodo! (Now you have touched the women, you have struck a rock!) was sung by the ladies as a protest song composed in commemoration of the occasion.

The phrase has come to represent women’s strength and courage in South Africa in the years since (or, more recently, “you strike a woman, you strike a rock”).

National Womens Day Activities

There are several activities and demonstrations available that raise awareness and help women.

The event is televised every year, and reenactment contests are held. If you can’t be there in person, hosting a viewing party is the perfect way to celebrate.

The initial protest was reenacted for the first time in 2006, and every year thereafter, a new performance is performed. A wonderful way to commemorate the history behind the day is to watch or sign up to participate.

Importance of National Women’s Day

A wonderful method to remember and ensure progress in the future is to have a day dedicated to the history and struggles of women.

Having days like this is important for raising awareness of the difficulties that women have had to overcome.

This day honors all of the sacrifices women have made throughout South African history, and women have had a long path of fighting for freedom.

Significance of National Women’s Day in South Africa

The problems that African women continue to face, such as parenting, home violence, sexual harassment at work, pornography, unequal remuneration, and education for all girls are highlighted on National Women’s Day. This public holiday can be used to fight for or against these concepts.

There have been a number of significant advances as a result. Women had only 2.7% of representation in Parliament prior to 1994. Women made up 27.7% of the seats in the national legislature.

National Womens Day, like International Womens Day, is based on many of the same beliefs and strives for much of the same freedoms and rights. This number has nearly doubled, reaching 48% across the country’s government.

What’s the Difference Between National Womens Day and International Women’s Day?

The objective is to empower women in the same way! Yet, while South African women are more celebrated on National Womens Day, all women are celebrated on International Womens Day.

Is National women’s day a public holiday in South Africa?

On August 9th, South Africa celebrates National Women’s Day as a national holiday.

When did National women’s day start in South Africa?

In 1995, the first Women’s Day was commemorated. The day was declared a national holiday because South Africa had just become a democratic country. Annual commemorations have been held across the nation since then.

What is National women’s day in South Africa?

During Women’s Day on August 9th, South Africa celebrates Women’s Month every August. It’s a day to honor South African women for their strength and fortitude, as well as their contribution to society and the nation. Equal rights are also a big day.

Final Words

National Women’s Day is an international day of remembrance and celebration to honor the achievements and contributions of women in all areas of society. Here are a few facts about National Women Day in South Africa so that you know more about this important day.

Read More:

• Women’s Equality Day
• Happy Fathers Day