National Women’s Day is a South African public holiday held every year on August 9. It honors the women of South Africa and, above all, commemorates one of the most powerful acts of resistance in the country’s history: the 1956 women’s march against apartheid pass laws. Far more than a generic celebration, it is a solemn and proud remembrance of courage, unity, and the ongoing fight for equality.
When is National Women’s Day?
National Women’s Day is a fixed public holiday held on August 9 each year in South Africa. When the date falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is typically observed as a public holiday in its place, in line with South African holiday practice. The wider month of August is also recognized as Women’s Month, extending the commemoration beyond the single day.
History and origin of National Women’s Day
The holiday commemorates the Women’s March of August 9, 1956. On that day, an estimated 20,000 women of all backgrounds marched to the Union Buildings, the seat of government in Pretoria, to protest the extension of apartheid “pass laws” to Black women, laws that restricted their movement and required them to carry identification documents. The march was organised by the Federation of South African Women (FSAW) and led by iconic figures including Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa, and Sophia Williams-De Bruyn. The women delivered petitions bearing thousands of signatures and, famously, stood in silence before breaking into protest song. Their rallying phrase, often rendered as “you strike a woman, you strike a rock,” became a lasting symbol of women’s strength. The women had deliberately chosen a Thursday, traditionally the day off for many Black domestic workers, to ensure the largest possible turnout. After the end of apartheid, South Africa’s democratic government declared August 9 a public holiday, and it was first celebrated as National Women’s Day on August 9, 1995. The march remains one of the largest demonstrations by women in South African history and a defining moment in the country’s long struggle for equality and justice.
Why National Women’s Day matters
National Women’s Day is both a tribute to history and a call to the present. It honors the bravery of the 1956 marchers who risked their safety to challenge an unjust system, and it keeps their legacy alive for new generations. At the same time, it draws attention to contemporary issues facing women in South Africa, including gender-based violence, economic inequality, and the push for full participation in society. The day is a reminder that the rights enjoyed today were hard-won and that the work of building an equal society continues. It also anchors Women’s Month, observed throughout August, during which government, civil society, and communities highlight the achievements of women and the challenges that remain. In this way, a single public holiday becomes the focal point of a broader, month-long national conversation.
How to celebrate National Women’s Day
- Learn about the 1956 march and the leaders who organised it.
- Attend commemorative events, marches, or community gatherings.
- Support women-owned businesses and organisations.
- Honor the women in your own life and community.
- Donate to or volunteer with groups that support women’s rights and safety.
- Share the history and its lessons on social media to raise awareness.
- Reflect on and discuss the ongoing challenges women face today.
Related days and observances
National Women’s Day connects to Women’s Month in South Africa and to global observances such as International Women’s Day in March. It also sits within South Africa’s broader calendar of commemorations of the anti-apartheid struggle, including days that honor youth and freedom.
Fun facts
Unlike many lighthearted “national days,” National Women’s Day is a genuine public holiday rooted in a pivotal historical event. The 1956 march remains one of the largest demonstrations by women in South African history, and the phrase inspired by it, likening women to a rock, endures as a powerful emblem of resilience across the country. The date is also notable for how deliberately it was planned, from the choice of a Thursday to maximize turnout to the disciplined, largely silent protest at the seat of government, details that reveal the strategic courage behind the demonstration. Decades later, National Women’s Day ensures that the names of leaders such as Lilian Ngoyi and Helen Joseph, and the thousands who marched with them, are not forgotten.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is National Women's Day?
National Women's Day is a public holiday in South Africa held every year on August 9, a fixed date.
What does National Women's Day commemorate?
It marks the August 9, 1956 march when about 20,000 women protested apartheid pass laws at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
Who led the 1956 women's march?
The march was organised by the Federation of South African Women, with leaders including Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa and Sophia Williams-De Bruyn.
Why do we celebrate National Women's Day?
To honor the courage of the 1956 marchers and to recognize the ongoing struggle for women's rights and equality in South Africa.
Is National Women's Day a public holiday?
Yes. In South Africa it is an official public holiday, first observed on August 9, 1995.
What is the hashtag for National Women's Day?
Common tags include #NationalWomensDay and #WomensMonth.