National Women's Day commemorates the 1956 Women's March to the Union Buildings in Pretoria, when more than 20,000 women of all races protested against the apartheid government's pass laws. These laws required Black South Africans to carry pass books (internal passports), restricting their movement and reinforcing racial segregation.

When is National Women's Day?

National Women's Day is celebrated every year on August 9.

The following is the list of National Women's Day from 2020 to 2049.

The History of National Women's Day?

On August 9, 1956, more than 20,000 women of all races marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest the apartheid government's pass laws. These laws forced Black South Africans to carry internal passports (known as "passes") that restricted their freedom of movement, employment and residence. The march was one of the largest demonstrations in South African history at the time.

The women delivered petitions to the prime minister's office and then stood in thirty minutes of silent protest—a powerful act of defiance. Afterwards, they sang "You strike a woman, you strike a rock", a phrase that has since become a symbol of women's resilience and strength in South Africa.

The 1956 march was a turning point in the struggle against apartheid, showing that women were not only victims of discriminatory laws but also leaders in resistance. Their courage challenged both racial oppression and gender inequality, inspiring future generations to continue the fight for justice.

After the end of apartheid (1948–1994), the democratic government declared August 9 as National Women's Day to honour the women who marched in 1956 and to celebrate women's contributions to freedom and equality.