National Women’s Day in South Africa 2023: Date, History, Facts, Events

On August 9, 2023, National Women’s Day will be observed. This annual South African holiday is always observed on a weekday. The oppression of women has a long history, but every battle brings us one step closer to liberation and equality. Education plays a significant role in this scholarship’s ability to help women support themselves; begin your scholarship search today.

The background of National Women’s Day

On August 9, 1956, a choreographed march was held in front of the Union Buildings in Pretoria. Over 20,000 women of all ethnicities participated in the march to protest the amendments to the Urban Areas Act of 1950. During apartheid, this law required all “black” South Africans to possess an internal passport that served to maintain segregation, control urbanisation, and manage migrant labour.

Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa, and Sophia Williams lead the protest. The women delivered 14,000 petitions to the prime minister’s office. 100,000 signatures and a thirty-minute silent protest were left at the door of the prime minister. After the sombre protest, songs were performed to commemorate the occasion and ensure that their voices were heard. They sang “Wathint’Abafazi Wathint’imbokodo,” which translates to “Now that you have touched the women, you have struck a rock.”

It was a nonviolent protest, but it made a difference; National Women’s Day exists as a result. The day was not officially recognised as a holiday until 1995. The day draws attention to the issues African women faced then and continue to face today, including domestic violence, sexual harassment in the workplace, unequal pay, girls not being permitted to attend education, and child rearing without assistance. In 1994, women held a very small percentage of seats in the House of Representatives, just 2.7%. Women made up 27.7% of the national assembly. After the establishment of this national holiday, the percentage of women in the government increased to 48 percent, nearly doubling the previous percentage.

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National Women’s Day events

Attend a Sensitization Event

There are numerous events and protests that serve to raise awareness and empower women.

Organise A Viewing Party

Annually, the event is broadcast on television and reenactments are conducted. Hosting a viewing party is the ideal method to celebrate when you cannot be present.

Experience a Reenactment

In 2006, the first reenactment of the original protest took place, and each year since then, another reenactment has taken place. Spectating or registering to participate is a fantastic method to honour the historical significance of the day.

5 FACTS ABOUT THE RIGHTS OF WOMEN

In 1902, women were still considered inferior to males; society held them in a subordinate position.

In 1930, only white women had acquired the right to vote, and it had taken twenty years for this to be passed.

In the 1940s, the Alexandra Women’s Council became involved in squatting-related issues and founded the Women of the Crossroads.

Women from various racial and socioeconomic backgrounds used to convene every Thursday.

In 1965, women of colour gained the opportunity to vote in the United States.

NATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY DATES

Year	Date	Day
2023	August 9	Wednesday
2024	August 9	Friday
2025	August 9	Saturday
2026	August 9	Sunday
2027	August 9	Monday