In August, South Africa pays tribute to the bravery of the 20,000 women who marched to the Union Buildings in 1956. South African Women’s Day 2025 marks this historic event—and celebrates the strength, leadership and voice of women across the nation today. South African Women’s Day 2025 is a call to honour, reflect, and continue the fight for equality, justice and opportunity for every woman and girl.
Women’s Day in South Africa, celebrated each year on 9 August, is a powerful national commemoration of the extraordinary courage and strength shown by women in the fight against injustice. In 2025, the day falls on a Saturday, offering an opportunity for individuals, communities, and organisations to come together in recognition of the critical role women have played—and continue to play—in shaping South Africa’s past, present, and future.
The day marks the anniversary of the 1956 Women’s March to the Union Buildings in Pretoria, when over 20,000 women from all backgrounds stood united in protest against the apartheid government’s oppressive pass laws. Their act of defiance became a defining moment in the struggle for freedom and gender equality, leaving a lasting legacy that inspires generations to come.
Why Women’s Day Still Matters Today
While the 1956 march is in the past, the fight for equality and justice continues in many forms today. Across South Africa, women continue to face significant challenges—including gender-based violence, economic exclusion, unequal access to opportunities, and systemic discrimination.
Women’s Day remains relevant because it encourages us to:
- Acknowledge the progress made in advancing women’s rights
- Confront the ongoing issues affecting women and girls
- Celebrate the achievements of women across all sectors of society
- Promote greater inclusion, respect, and empowerment
It’s a moment to honour not only the historical contributions of South African women, but also the everyday efforts of women who continue to uplift families, communities, and the nation at large.
How Women’s Day Is Commemorated Across South Africa
Each year on 9 August, South Africans mark Women’s Day with a wide range of events and activities that focus on empowerment, education, remembrance, and celebration. These include:
- Community marches and awareness campaigns highlighting women’s issues and rights
- Workshops and training sessions for women in leadership, business, health, and education
- Panel discussions and conferences featuring female voices from diverse backgrounds
- Arts and cultural events, such as concerts, poetry readings, and theatre performances
- Outreach and support initiatives that benefit shelters, women’s health clinics, and development programmes
These events provide a platform to share knowledge, support one another, and inspire action towards building a more equal society.
How You Can Get Involved in South African Women’s Day 2025
Whether you’re participating in a public event or engaging from home, Women’s Day is an opportunity for everyone—regardless of gender—to support women and advocate for justice. Here are some meaningful ways to get involved:
- Support women-led businesses and organisations in your area
- Donate to or volunteer for causes that support women’s health, safety, and empowerment
- Start conversations about gender equality in your home, school, or workplace
- Educate yourself on South Africa’s history of women’s activism and the issues women face today
- Celebrate the women in your life by acknowledging their contributions and amplifying their voices
FAQs
Is Women’s Day a public holiday in South Africa?
Yes, 9 August is an official public holiday recognised throughout the country.
Who can participate in Women’s Day events?
Everyone is encouraged to take part—regardless of gender. It’s a day for all South Africans to reflect, show support, and work towards gender justice.
Is Women’s Day only about history?
No, while it honours historical milestones, it’s also a time to focus on current challenges and opportunities to support and uplift women in today’s society.
What role do cultural and religious organisations play on Women’s Day?
Many faith-based and cultural groups use the day to honour women’s contributions within their communities, promote values of respect and equality, and provide platforms for intergenerational storytelling and healing.
What impact did the 1956 Women’s March have on future activism in South Africa?
The march became a powerful symbol of resistance and solidarity, inspiring future generations of activists—both women and men—to organise, mobilise, and fight against injustice. It laid the groundwork for broader women’s rights movements in the country.
A Day to Honour, Remember and Inspire
Women’s Day 2025 is a time to pause and pay tribute to the brave women of 1956, to recognise the resilience of South African women today, and to commit ourselves to a more inclusive and equal future.
Let’s use this day not only to remember those who came before us, but to stand in solidarity with women everywhere—working together to build a society where every woman and girl can live, lead, and thrive with dignity and freedom.
References:
- South African Government – Women’s Day
- South African History Online – 1956 Women’s March
- Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities
- Commission for Gender Equality – South Africa
- UN Women – Gender Equality
ALSO READ: Gender Based Violence – the shame of South Africa
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Celebrate South African Women’s Day 2025 by honouring the courage, resilience and impact of women shaping the nation’s future—past, present and future.
