Women’s Day is a public holiday in South Africa that is celebrated every year on August 9. The day commemorates the historic march of more than 20,000 women to the Union Buildings in Pretoria in 1956, to protest against the oppressive pass laws that restricted the movement and freedom of black people under apartheid.
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The women who marched on that day were led by Lillian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa, and Sophia Williams. They left 14,000 petitions at the office doors of the prime minister and sang a powerful song: Wathint’Abafazi Wathint’imbokodo! (You strike a woman, you strike a rock). The song has become a symbol of women’s courage and strength in South Africa.
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Women’s Day is a day to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women in various fields and sectors of society. It is also a day to raise awareness and action on the challenges and issues that women still face, such as gender-based violence, inequality, discrimination, poverty, and lack of education.
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Women’s Day: A day to inspire and support
Many South African women use Women’s Day as an opportunity to inspire and support each other, as well as to honour the women who fought for their rights and dignity. Some women also use the day to express their vision and aspirations for a better future for themselves and their children.
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One of these women is Bokang Tshabalala, a former Miss SA and a businesswoman. She took to her Instagram account to reflect on the women of 1956 and to challenge the current generation of women to fight for their land. She said that she hoped that Women’s Day reminded women to uplift each other, to be kind to each other, and to protect each other.
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She wrote: “The women of 1956 marched for a different cause, what will we be remembered for? What are we fighting for? (I can already imagine responses. For example we are barely surviving, we are just trying to put food on the table for our children, we are just simply trying to be respected in our workplaces and be given equal pay as men, we are just trying to live because of GBV and so on). We go through so much as women … but I hope yesterday reminded us to uplift each other, to be kind to each other because we’re all going through something and for us to protect each other. And who knows? (I know I’m pushing it but) maybe just maybe one day we can be the generation that’ll be remembered for fighting for the land … Happy Women’s Day to all the beautiful women of SA.”
Women’s Day: A day of events and activities
Women’s Day in South Africa is also marked by various events and activities that showcase the talents and achievements of women in different fields and sectors. Some of these events include workshops, seminars, exhibitions, concerts, festivals, marches, rallies, and more.
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One of the events that took place on Women’s Day was a graphic art exhibition by an artificial intelligence model that created stunning images of some of the most influential South African women in history. The exhibition featured portraits of women such as Charlotte Maxeke, Albertina Sisulu, Winnie Mandela, Miriam Makeba, Zanele Muholi, Caster Semenya, and more. The exhibition aimed to celebrate the diversity and beauty of South African women and their impact on society.
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Another event that celebrated Women’s Day was a poetry slam by some of the most talented female poets in South Africa. The poets performed their original poems on topics such as feminism, empowerment, identity, culture, love, and resistance. The poets included Lebo Mashile, Koleka Putuma, Natalia Molebatsi, Vangile Gantsho, Busisiwe Mahlangu, Siphokazi Jonas, and more. The poetry slam was a platform for women to express their voices and stories through words and art.