[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]
By Shumirai Chimombe
“Imagine a gender-equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge gender equality.” – International Women’s Day
Observed globally on 8 March each year, International Women’s Day (IWD) started in 1911 to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender equality.
The South African government took this opportunity to reflect on the historic 1956 Women’s March in which more than 20 000 women of all races, some with babies on their backs, marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria in protest against the oppressive pass laws that restricted the freedom of movement of black South Africans.
Led by courageous activists including Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa and Sophia Williams-De Bruyn, the women marched in peaceful defiance against the apartheid regime. They stood in silence for 30 minutes before singing the now iconic protest song “Wathint’ abafazi, Wathint’ imbokodo” (You Strike a Woman, You Strike a Rock).
In a statement, the government indicated that the women’s actions “sent a powerful message that women would not accept injustice and firmly established the critical role women played in the struggle for freedom, equality and human dignity.
“The 1956 march marked a defining moment in South Africa’s history. It challenged both racial oppression and restrictive social norms, demonstrating that women’s contributions extend far beyond the household to every sphere of society. The bravery and determination of these women laid a strong foundation for the advancement of women’s rights and gender equality for future generations.”
Going down memory lane
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://www.topbusinesswomen.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Sophie-de-Bruyn.jpg” title_text=”Sophie de Bruyn” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]
Sophie De Bruyn (pictured above), who was one of the four leaders chosen to deliver the memorandum of demands, sat down in conversation with SABC News recently to share her story .
She said that the appointment of the four leaders was very simple because there was the Coloured Congress, there was the Indian Congress, there was the White Congress of Democrats and the African National Congress.
“And working in these congresses, it was simple to choose the leaders because they were known to the communities and also they were used to organising in the factories.”
The women who joined the march raised their own funds to get to Pretoria with whatever means they could. “It was a happy and joyous time to meet everybody, women that you didn’t know, and there was that festive air among the women. She said that the March up to the Union Buildings was very disciplined, and very dignified.
Equality remains unfinished business
Commonwealth Secretary-General, Hon Shirley Botchwey said that as we mark International Women’s Day 2026, the global call – ‘Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls’ – reminds us of the continuing challenge of gender equality.
“Because equality remains unfinished business.
Across the world, not one target under Sustainable Development Goal 5 has been fully achieved. At current rates, gender parity in parliaments could still be decades away.
For millions of women and girls, especially those living in poverty, progress feels even more distant. The cost of delay cannot adequately be measured in statistics, but in lost potential.
And yet, across our Commonwealth, I see something else. I see women rebuilding communities after climate disasters. I see young women leading digital innovation. I see entrepreneurs creating jobs, peacebuilders strengthening democracy, and girls stepping into classrooms determined to shape their own futures.
Women and girls are not victims of change: they are leaders of it.”
Tackling Gender-based Violence and Femicide (GBVF)
The South African government also used this day to shine a spotlight on GBVF. For this year’s theme “Give to Gain”, it called on all South Africans to play their part in dismantling the attitudes and behaviours that enable violence against women and children. This includes reporting abuse, supporting victims and refusing to remain silent in the face of injustice. The safety and dignity of women and children is everyone’s responsibility.
“As we commemorate International Women’s Day and honour the legacy of the women of 1956, Government calls on all South Africans to work together to build a society that is free from GBVF, and where the rights, safety and empowerment of women are fully realised.”
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]
[/et_pb_code][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]