National Women’s Day on 9 August is one of several public holidays in South Africa, but why do we celebrate it?

First and foremost, the country commemorates Women’s Month throughout August.

The South African government has this to say about Women’s Month: “South Africa commemorates Women’s Month in August as a tribute to the more than 20 000 women who marched to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956 in protest against the extension of Pass Laws to women. The Government of South Africa declared August Women’s Month and 9 August is celebrated annually as Women’s Day.

“We have made significant progress in empowering women in the political, public and educational spheres, but the marginalisation of poor women severely compromises progress.”

There is also the grave issue of violence against women.

During his address to the nation on Wednesday, 17 June 2020, President Cyril Ramaphosa said he was appalled by what is no less than a war being waged against women and children of the country.

Over the past few weeks no fewer than 21 women and children have been murdered. It is deeply disturbing that the spike in crimes against women and children has coincided with the easing of the coronavirus lockdown.

“According to police, violent crime – especially murders and attempted murders – has increased since alert Level 3 took effect on 1 June. Cases of abuse of women and children have also increased dramatically.”

The president vowed on live TV that legislative amendments have been prepared around, among other things, minimum sentencing in cases of GBV, bail conditions for suspects and greater protection for women who are victims of intimate-partner violence.

I want to assure the women and children of South Africa that our criminal justice system will remain focused on GBV cases and that we can expect more arrests and more prosecutions against perpetrators to follow.”