On 9 August 1956, more than 20 000 women gathered outside the Union Buildings in Pretoria to change the course of South African history.
For 30 minutes they stood in complete silence – a powerful act of peaceful resistance against the apartheid government’s extension of pass laws to women. Then their voices rose in unison.
“Wathint’ abafazi, wathint’ imbokodo.”
“You strike a woman, you strike a rock.”
Seventy years later, the spirit of the Women’s March lives on. This August, the nation commemorates the 70th anniversary of the historic Women’s March, celebrating not only the courage of the women who marched that day, but also the generations of women who continue to shape the country’s future.
A march that changed history
The Women’s March was organised by the Federation of South African Women in response to the apartheid government’s decision to extend pass laws to women.
Women from different races, cultures, religions and walks of life travelled from across the country to Pretoria, united by a common purpose. At a time when South Africa was deeply divided, they stood together in one of the most powerful displays of courage and solidarity that would become a defining moment in the country’s history.
It was one of the largest demonstrations led by women in South African history and sent a clear message that women would no longer accept discrimination in silence.
Leading the march were four remarkable women: Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa and Sophia Williams-De Bruyn.
Williams-De Bruyn was just 18 years old, making her the youngest of the four leaders. Today, she remains the last surviving leader of the historic march and continues to remind South Africans that the legacy of 1956 belongs to future generations as much as it does to history.
“Make sure young people have good examples around them…That is how we build a strong nation that will carry the baton in this generation,” she said. Carrying thousands of signed petitions, the women marched to the seat of government with a clear message: the pass laws had to go.
Prime Minister J.G. Strijdom had already refused a request to meet with the organisers before the march, and on the day of the protest he was not there to receive them. Instead, the petitions were handed to his secretary.
The women then stood in complete silence for 30 minutes – a dignified act of peaceful resistance.
Why do we celebrate Women’s Month?
Although the march took place on 9 August 1956, South Africa only officially recognised National Women’s Day as a public holiday after the advent of democracy in 1994.
Over time, the significance of that single day grew into Women’s Month, giving South Africans an opportunity not only to remember the women who challenged apartheid laws, but also to celebrate the achievements of women in every sphere of society.
It is a time to honour pioneers, recognise pro-gress and reflect on the work that still lies ahead. From education and healthcare to agriculture, business, science, politics, sports and community development, women continue to shape South Africa every day.
Women’s Month is also an opportunity to recognise the countless women who, often away from the spotlight, continue to strengthen their families, workplaces and communities every day.
Seventy years later
To mark this historic milestone, the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities has launched a national programme commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Women’s March.
Its commemorative campaign carries the theme “Empowered Women Empower The Nation,” while the official Women’s Month 2026 theme is “Building Resilient Economies for All.”
This year’s focus highlights women’s economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, financial inclusion and creating equal opportunities in the workplace.
Government has also announced plans to introduce a Socioeconomic Empowerment of Women Index, which will measure South Africa’s progress in advancing women’s equality and economic participation.
A journey still unfolding
South Africa has come a long way since 1956.
Today, women lead businesses, preside over courtrooms, perform life-saving surgeries, conduct scientific research, teach future generations, serve in government, protect communities, grow the country’s food and drive innovation across every sector of society.
Yet the journey is far from over.
Gender-based violence and femicide remain among South Africa’s greatest challenges.
Many women still face unequal economic opportunities, wage disparities and higher unemployment rates, while continuing to shoulder much of the responsibility for caring for families and communities.
Former President Nelson Mandela perhaps summed it up best when he said:
“Freedom cannot be achieved unless the women have been emancipated from all forms of oppression.”
Women’s Month is therefore about far more than flowers, gifts or social media tributes.
It is a reminder that equality was never simply handed to South African women – it was earned through courage, sacrifice and determination, and it remains a cause worth protecting.
Celebrating local women
The legacy of the women who marched in 1956 lives on in communities across the country – including the Klein Karoo.
Throughout August, Die Hoorn is celebrating the women who continue to strengthen local businesses, organisations and communities through their leadership, dedication and hard work.
Readers can find more information about the Women’s Month feature here:
More than history
Seventy years after thousands of ordinary women gathered outside the Union Buildings, their legacy continues to shape South Africa.
It lives in the entrepreneur creating jobs, the teacher inspiring young minds, the nurse caring for patients, the police officer protecting communities, the farmer feeding the nation, the volunteer serving others and the countless women who quietly make a difference every single day.
The women of 1956 showed that ordinary people, united by courage and conviction, have the power to change history.
As South Africa commemorates the 70th anniversary of the Women’s March, their message remains just as powerful today as it was seven decades ago.
“Wathint’ abafazi, wathint’ imbokodo.”
“You strike a woman, you strike a rock.” (MALISSA SPIES)
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