National Women's Day
Have you ever wondered why we celebrate Woman's Day on the 9th August in South Africa? It has nothing to do with honoring women just because we need another "Mother's Day", this day commemorates the 9 August 1956 when women participating in a national march petitioned against pass laws. The pass laws meant that all black people were to carry a special "pass" or identification document which they had to produce to prove they were permitted to enter a certain area designated for white people. This was a major law of the apartheid regime and greatly restricted the freedom of movement of black people.
Organized by the Federation of South African Women, the March was led by four brave women; Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa, Sophie Williams and Lilian Ngoyi. The leaders delivered petitions to Prime Minister JG Strijdom's office within the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
Women throughout South Africa had put their names to these petitions indicating their anger and frustration at having their freedom of movement restricted by the hated official passes.
The march was a resounding success and South Africa recognizes the bravery of these women who risked arrest, detention and banning by declaring 9 August National Women’s Day.
Organized by the Federation of South African Women, the March was led by four brave women; Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa, Sophie Williams and Lilian Ngoyi. The leaders delivered petitions to Prime Minister JG Strijdom's office within the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
Women throughout South Africa had put their names to these petitions indicating their anger and frustration at having their freedom of movement restricted by the hated official passes.
The march was a resounding success and South Africa recognizes the bravery of these women who risked arrest, detention and banning by declaring 9 August National Women’s Day.