Women's Day: A celebration and reminder of SA women's achievements

Every year on August 9, South Africans commemorate National Women’s Day, a public holiday that honours the courage, resilience and achievements of women who have shaped the country’s history.

First celebrated in 1994, National Women’s Day has become an important occasion to recognise the progress made in advancing women’s rights, while also acknowledging the vital role women continue to play in communities, workplaces and society as a whole.

According to the South African government, the day commemorates the historic Women’s March of August 9, 1956, when about 20 000 women marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest against the extension of apartheid pass laws.

At the time, pass laws required all black South Africans to carry identification documents that controlled where they could live, work and travel. The march opposed proposed changes to the 1950 Urban Areas Act, which would have further extended these restrictions to black women.

The demonstration was led by Helen Joseph, Lilian Ngoyi, Rahima Moosa and Sophia Williams-De Bruyn. Together with thousands of women from across the country, they delivered petitions containing more than 100 000 signatures to then-prime minister JG Strijdom.

After handing over the petitions, the women stood silently outside his office for about 30 minutes before breaking into a protest song – a powerful act that has become a lasting symbol of courage, unity and resistance.

Today, Women’s Day serves as both a celebration of women’s achievements and a reminder of the continued pursuit of equality and empowerment.

To mark Women’s Month, the Krugersdorp News invites readers to celebrate the remarkable women in their lives. Whether it’s an inspiring mother, a dedicated teacher, an innovative engineer or scientist, or a courageous police officer, share their story by emailing krugersdorpnews@caxton.co.za.

Source: Department of Sport, Arts and Culture