National Women's Day

Categories:: Cause
Tags:: Awareness Women
Where:: South Africa
Date change rule:: Every August 9
Holiday emoji:: 🇿🇦👩

National Women’s Day commemorates the historic 1956 Women’s March in South Africa every August 9. This powerful day recognizes the ongoing struggle for gender equality and women’s rights. Join in by learning about its history, supporting women’s organizations, and advocating for change.

Deals
Platforms
Social
Hero
History
Timeline
FAQs
Importance
Celebrate
Traditions
Stats

Expected National Women's Day Deals

As a significant ‘Cause’ holiday in South Africa, National Women’s Day typically sees a focus on awareness campaigns and fundraising rather than commercial deals. Organizations like The Motsepe Foundation and Imbumba Foundation often partner with corporations to support women’s empowerment initiatives through donations and educational programs. Look for local businesses and national retailers like Woolworths South Africa or Clicks Group to run donation-matching campaigns or highlight products that support women-led enterprises. Many non-profits, such as People Opposing Women Abuse (POWA) and Gender Links, will host events and drives to secure vital funding. We will update this page with confirmed live initiatives as August 9 approaches.

Platform Guide for National Women's Day

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #NationalWomensDaySA. Share stories of inspiring women leaders in South Africa.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalWomensDaySA. Organize or join local community events and discussions.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #NationalWomensDaySA. Share news, advocacy, and educational resources for women’s rights.

National Women's Day Hero

Lilian Ngoyi

Lilian Ngoyi (1911-1980) was a prominent anti-apartheid activist and women's rights advocate in South Africa. She famously led the 1956 Women's March to the Union Buildings in Pretoria, where 20,000 women protested against the apartheid pass laws. Ngoyi was the first woman elected to the ANC's National Executive Committee and spent 15 years under house arrest, remaining a symbol of courage and resistance.

History of National Women's Day

On August 9, 1956, there was a staged march on the Union Buildings of Pretoria. Over 20,000 women of all races attended the march in order to protest against the Urban Areas Act of 1950 amendments. This law required all South Africans defined as “black” to carry an internal passport that served to maintain segregation, control urbanization, and manage migrant labor during the apartheid.

The protest was led by Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa, and Sophia Williams. The women left 14,000 petitions at the office doors of the prime minister. 100,000 signatures were left outside the prime minister’s door as well as a thirty-minute silent protest. After the silent protest, songs were sung to honor the event, to make sure their voices were heard. The song they sang was composed specifically for the event, titled “Wathint’Abafazi Wathint’imbokodo” which translates to “Now you have touched the women, you have struck a rock.”

It was a peaceful protest but it made a difference, because of it we have National Women’s Day. The day wasn’t actually made a holiday until 1995. The day brings attention to the issues African women faced then and still face today, including domestic violence, workplace sexual harassment, unequal pay, girls not being allowed to go to school, and no-help parenting. In 1994, women had very low representation within Parliament, with just nearly 2.7%. Women within the national assembly were at 27.7%. After the creation of this public holiday, the numbers nearly doubled, with women now having 48% representation all throughout the country’s government.

National Women's Day timeline

1956

The March

More than 20,000 women participate in a peaceful protest at the Union Buildings in Pretoria against the Urban Areas Act of 1950.

1994

National Women's Day is Born

The holiday is written up as a national holiday and it is celebrated for the very first time.

2000

A Monument is Raised

On one of the many celebrated National Women’s Day occasions, the Malibongwe Embokodweni monument is erected to honor the event in 1956.

2006

Re-enactment

On the 50th anniversary of the original protest, a march re-enactment is held.

National Women's Day Traditions

In their day-to-day lives, women juggle so many commitments and responsibilities, deal with so much, and look fantastic while getting everything done, too! Traditions on National Women’s Day are to celebrate women in every aspect of life. At home, the ladies go easy with chores and get a day off from cooking, cleaning, and making sure everything is immaculate. At work, the contributions of women are recognized and mini-celebrations are hosted by office teams. Inspiring women with success stories are in the spotlight, to set an example for other women to follow.

On the social side, women party it up and head out to celebrate womanhood. Special deals are available for ladies at restaurants, cafes, and some stores even have sales. Female activists also utilize the day to promote gender equality and advance women’s rights.

National Women's Day By The Numbers

29.7 million – the number of females in South Africa as of 2019.
46% – the percentage of South African women MPs in 2019.
50% – the percentage of South African women in the cabinet in 2019.
0% – the percentage of women as presidents of South Africa.
40 billion – the number of hours spent by women in sub-Saharan Africa collecting water.
⅔ – of the world’s 796 million illiterate people are women.
1 in 3 – women around the world experience violence.
2.7 billion – the number of women who don’t have the same work opportunities as men.
82 million – the number of women worldwide who don’t have any legal protections against workplace discrimination.
650 million – the number of women who are married before the age of 18 across the world.

National Women's Day FAQs

When is National Women's Day?

National Women’s Day 2026 falls on Sunday, August 9, commemorating the historic 1956 Women’s March in South Africa.

What was the significance of the 1956 Women's March?

The 1956 Women’s March saw 20,000 women of all races march to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest against the apartheid government’s pass laws. This act of defiance highlighted women’s crucial role in the anti-apartheid struggle.

How many women live in South Africa?

According to recent estimates, women constitute slightly over half of South Africa’s population, numbering approximately 30.5 million people. This demographic reality underscores the importance of gender equality initiatives.

Is National Women's Day a public holiday in South Africa?

Yes, National Women’s Day is a public holiday in South Africa. It was officially declared a public holiday in 1994, marking the 38th anniversary of the 1956 march and the dawn of democracy.

National Women's Day Activities

Attend an Awareness Event
There are plenty of events and protests to attend that help raise awareness and empower women.
Host A Viewing Party
Every year the event is televised and reenactments are held. Hosting a viewing party is the perfect way to celebrate if you can't be there in person.
Attend a Reenactment
In 2006 the first reenactment of the original protest was held and every year there is another reenactment held. Spectating or signing up to participate is a great way to honor the history behind the day.

5 Facts About Women’s Rights

The fight for rights
Women were still held as subordinate to men in 1902 — society held them in a position of inferiority.
The right to vote
White women were the only ones that had actually gained the right to vote in 1930 and it took twenty years to get that passed.
Women Organized Their Own Council
The Alexandra Women's Council in the 1940s became active in squatting related issues and established the Women of the Crossroads.
Thursdays Were Holy Holidays
Women from different ethnicities and social backgrounds used to meet every Thursday.
All Women Earn the Right to Vote
In 1965 women of color in the U.S. finally earned the right to vote.

Why We Love National Women's Day

It Empowers Women
Having a day to commemorate the history and the fights that women have fought is a great way to remember and ensure progress in the future.
It Raises Awareness
Women have had a lot of obstacles to go through and having days like these helps to raise awareness on just how far women have come.
It's Full of History
Women have had a long forged path of fighting for freedom and this day honors all the sacrifices women have made throughout South African history.