National Women’s Day is a South African public holiday observed on August 9. It commemorates the 1956 march in which around 20,000 women protested against apartheid pass laws in Pretoria.
When is National Women’s Day?
National Women’s Day is held each year on August 9 in South Africa, where it is a public holiday. It should not be confused with International Women’s Day, a separate global observance held on March 8.
What does National Women’s Day commemorate?
The date marks the Women’s March of August 9, 1956. On that day, an estimated 20,000 women of all races marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest against the extension of apartheid pass laws to Black women, and to present a petition to the Prime Minister, J.G. Strijdom.
What happened during the 1956 march?
The march was organised by the Federation of South African Women. Its leaders included Lillian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa and Sophia Williams-De Bruyn. The women carried thousands of petitions and gathered outside the seat of government in a powerful, largely peaceful demonstration against the pass system, which controlled the movement of Black South Africans.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date of march | August 9, 1956 |
| Location | Union Buildings, Pretoria |
| Organiser | Federation of South African Women |
| First holiday | August 9, 1995 |
How did it become a holiday?
After the end of apartheid, August 9 was designated a national public holiday to honour the women who marched and the wider role of women in the country’s history. The first National Women’s Day was celebrated on August 9, 1995. The commemoration has since expanded, with August often observed as Women’s Month in South Africa.
Why the day matters
National Women’s Day recognises the courage of the 1956 marchers and the broader struggle for women’s rights and equality in South Africa. It is both a remembrance of a pivotal protest and an occasion to reflect on the progress still needed toward gender equality.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is National Women's Day in South Africa?
It is a public holiday observed on August 9 each year.
What does National Women's Day commemorate?
It commemorates the August 9, 1956 march when about 20,000 women protested apartheid pass laws in Pretoria.
Who led the 1956 women's march?
Leaders included Lillian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa and Sophia Williams-De Bruyn.
Who organised the march?
It was organised by the Federation of South African Women.
When was the first National Women's Day holiday?
The first National Women's Day was celebrated on August 9, 1995.