Women’s Day in South Africa turns 70 with equality still out of reach
Summary
South Africa marks 70 years since the 1956 Women’s Day protest when 20,000 women marched against laws restricting their freedom. Although the laws were not stopped then, the event inspired a strong women’s movement that helped improve women’s rights and political representation after apartheid ended.Key Facts
- Women’s Day in South Africa is celebrated on August 9 to remember a major protest in 1956.
- About 20,000 women marched against “pass laws” that would limit their movement like African men already experienced.
- The protest was led by groups including the Federation of South African Women and the ANC’s Women’s League.
- The march took place at the Union Buildings, the government seat in Pretoria.
- The protest helped create a lasting women’s movement in South Africa.
- After apartheid ended in 1994, women gained strong political representation, with nearly a third of parliament being women.
- Women leaders later improved laws on reproductive rights, marriage, and protections for domestic workers.
- The 1956 march showed how women faced both racial and gender discrimination but still fought for equality alongside men.
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