National Women's Day: Remembering the 1956 March
South Africa commemorates National Women's Day annually on August 9th, a poignant reminder of the courageous women who marched to the Union Buildings in 1956. This historic demonstration saw 20,000 women protesting against the unjust pass laws and the Urban Areas Act, showcasing their unwavering resilience and determination.
This year's theme, "Building Resilient Economies for All," underscores the importance of women's participation and representation in leadership roles and within the broader economy. President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the national commemoration in Greater Tzaneen Municipality, Limpopo Province, emphasizing the country's commitment to empowering women.
Empowering Women: A Call to Action
The focus of Women's Month is on promoting women's contributions and creating an environment where they can thrive. This includes addressing gender-based violence, eliminating inequality in the workplace, and fostering a society that centers and supports women in all aspects of life. It's a call to action for every South African to actively contribute to positive change in the lives of women, from mothers and sisters to aunts and daughters.
South Africa's G20 Focus on Women
The theme aligns with South Africa’s G20 Presidency priorities, focusing on socioeconomic development, strengthening the ecosystem for women's economic participation, fostering collaboration, and preventing gender-based violence through education. This commitment to women's empowerment is central to South Africa's G20 theme of Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability.
- Promoting women's participation in leadership.
- Creating resilient economies for all.
- Ending gender-based violence and inequality.
As we celebrate Women's Day and Women's Month, let's reaffirm our dedication to building a strong, women-centered society where all women can flourish.