Every year, on the 9th of August, South Africa pauses in the heart of winter to celebrate Women’s Day—a day that is more than just a public holiday. It’s a date heavy with meaning, one born from courage, unity, and the unshakable will of women who refused to stand quietly in the face of injustice. While the day is now marked with speeches, cultural events, and flowers, its roots lie in an act of collective bravery that changed the course of the country’s history.
Back in 1956, over 20,000 women from all walks of life—Black, White, Indian, and Coloured—gathered in Pretoria to protest against apartheid’s notorious pass laws. These laws required non-White South Africans to carry “pass books” that restricted their movement and controlled where they could live, work, and travel. On that day, the women walked to the Union Buildings, the seat of government, and stood in silent protest for 30 minutes after delivering petitions with over 100,000 signatures.
One can imagine the tension in the air: the heavy winter sky above them, the Union Buildings looming in the background, the rhythmic sound of footsteps as women arrived from every corner of the country. And then came the song—“Wathint’ Abafazi, Wathint’ Imbokodo” (“You strike a woman, you strike a rock”). That phrase has since become a rallying cry, not just for women’s rights in South Africa, but for resilience in the face of any oppression.
Today, Women’s Day honors the courage of women while also shining a light on the ongoing struggles women face, from gender-based violence to economic inequality. It’s a reminder that while there has been progress since that fateful day in 1956, the work is far from over.
For someone living or traveling in South Africa, Women’s Day has a different kind of rhythm compared to other national holidays. It’s not just about leisure—it’s about reflection. There’s a noticeable sense of pride in the air, a respect for the generations before, and an awareness of the challenges still ahead. Television and radio programs feature stories of trailblazing women—politicians, scientists, artists, activists—whose contributions have shaped the nation. Schools host assemblies where children read poems or perform plays that keep the memory of the 1956 march alive.
In cities, community halls are fill with events celebrating women’s achievements. These gatherings might feature music, dance, and fashion—South Africa’s cultural diversity proudly on display. In smaller towns and villages, the day can be more intimate: neighbors sharing a pot of tea, local leaders giving speeches, and church groups hosting meals for women in need. Many businesses run charity drives for women’s shelters, and some employers use the day to talk about workplace equality.
For visitors, it’s a good day to learn, to listen, and to engage. It’s easy to be moved by the warmth of the celebrations, but even more powerful is hearing first-hand stories from women about their journeys—the barriers they’ve faced, the victories they’ve celebrated, and the dreams they still hold.
Of course, as with all public holidays in South Africa, there’s also the everyday joy of gathering with family and friends. Braais are lit, music spills out of backyards, and children play in the winter sunshine. But the conversation often circles back to the reason for the day: to honor the resilience and strength of South African women, past and present.
What’s striking about Women’s Day here is how it connects the past with the present. The women who marched in 1956 didn’t have smartphones or social media, yet they managed to organize one of the largest demonstrations in the country’s history. They did it with determination, word-of-mouth, and handwritten letters passed from one community to another. Their cause was urgent and dangerous, yet their unity was unshakable.
Today, their legacy serves as a touchstone for activists and everyday citizens alike. In conversations with South African friends over the years, I’ve noticed how often people speak of “the 1956 march” as if it happened just yesterday. That memory is alive, not locked away in history books. It’s in the songs sung at rallies, in the murals painted on community walls, and in the stories mothers tell their daughters about what it means to be strong.
But Women’s Day is not without its reminders of how far there is to go. South Africa continues to grapple with one of the highest rates of gender-based violence in the world. Economic inequality often falls hardest on women, especially in rural areas where opportunities are scarce. On this day, activists use the spotlight to call for stronger laws, better protections, and a society where safety and dignity are not privileges, but rights.
Still, there is hope—palpable hope. It’s in the growing number of women leading businesses, universities, and government offices. It’s in the grassroots movements run by young women who are refusing to accept the status quo. It’s in the determination of every person, male or female, who joins the cause of gender equality.
As the day winds down, something is moving about the thought that on this same date, decades ago, thousands of women stood shoulder to shoulder in silent defiance, knowing full well the risks they faced. Today, their courage is echoed in every act of kindness, every fight for justice, every celebration of women’s achievements.
Women’s Day in South Africa isn’t just a holiday—it’s a living story. It’s the sound of voices rising in song, the warmth of shared meals, and the quiet strength of a country still striving to match its ideals with its realities. It’s a day that says, without hesitation, that women are the backbone of society, the rock on which communities are built. And perhaps most importantly, it’s a reminder that when women rise, the whole nation rises with them.
Happy Women’s Day to all South African women on this special day!
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, August 9, 2015:
