Women's Day 2026

On 9 August 2026, South Africa will mark the 70th anniversary of the of the 1956 Women’s March. On that day, more than 20 000 women marched to the Union Buildings to protest the extension of Pass Laws and the Urban Areas Act. The commemoration will be held under the theme: “Empowered Women Empower The Nation” and will be used to pay tribute to the women of 1956 who fought for human rights, gender equality and social justice.

 

Led by iconic figures such as Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa and Sophia Williams-De Bruyn, the march became a defining moment in South Africa's struggle for equality and justice. Their courageous chant "Wathint' Abafazi, Wathint' Imbokodo" ("You strike a woman, you strike a rock"), continues to inspire South Africa's commitment to advancing gender equality, women's empowerment, and social justice.

 

The commemoration falls under the broader Milestones of Freedom Campaign under the theme: "Honouring the past, delivering the future.”