South Africa marks National Women’s Day on 9 August, commemorating the more than 20,000 women who marched to the Union Buildings in 1956 to protest apartheid pass laws. In 2026, the country marks the 70th anniversary of the historic march, reflecting on the role of women in South Africa’s struggle for freedom, equality and justice.
The 1956 Women’s March remains one of the defining moments in the country’s liberation history. Led by Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa and Sophia Williams-De Bruyn, women from across South Africa gathered in Pretoria to oppose the extension of pass laws to black women.
The women delivered petitions to the office of then Prime Minister J.G. Strijdom before standing in silence for 30 minutes and singing in protest. The demonstration became a powerful symbol of resistance and highlighted the important role women played in challenging apartheid.
The legacy of the march continues to shape National Women’s Day, which was established as a public holiday following South Africa’s transition to democracy. August is now observed as Women’s Month, providing an opportunity to recognise the contributions of women while reflecting on the challenges that continue to affect women across the country.
This year’s commemoration carries additional significance as South Africa marks 70 years since the march. The national Women’s Day celebration is being held at the Union Buildings in Tshwane under the theme “Empowered Women Empower The Nation”, with improving women’s access to quality healthcare among the key areas of focus.
The 2026 commemoration also comes as government introduces a new Socio-Economic Empowerment of Women Index, an annual scorecard intended to track progress in women’s empowerment and participation in decision-making. The index will measure areas including health, education, labour market participation, access to resources and representation in public and private sector decision-making.
Seventy years after thousands of women marched to the Union Buildings, National Women’s Day remains a reminder of the courage and collective action that helped shape South Africa’s democratic journey. It is also an opportunity to recognise the progress made while acknowledging the work that remains to advance equality and economic empowerment for women.
The women of 1956 left a legacy that continues to resonate across South Africa, with their historic march remembered each year as a defining stand against injustice.
