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August is Women’s Month, a time when we pause to celebrate the achievements and contributions made by South African women.

Why do we celebrate Women’s Day?

In South Africa, 9 August is Women's Day and the month of August is National Women’s Month. This is an opportunity to celebrate women’s achievements and the important role that women of all races and religions have played and continue to play in South African society.

On 9 August 1956, more than 20 000 women from all walks of life united in a mass demonstration at the Union

Buildings in Pretoria. They protested against the unjust pass laws enforced on women in South Africa.

The women were led by Lilian Ngoyi – a trade unionist and political activist, Helen

Joseph, Albertina Sisulu, and Sophia Williams-De Bruyn.

In remembrance of what South African women achieved on that day, 9 August has been declared as National Women’s Day and is a public holiday in South Africa. Women’s Month is an opportunity to celebrate and reflect on the achievements of these inspirational women, the problems they faced in the struggle to be free and the important role all women continue to play in society.

Apart from their traditional roles as mothers, wives and caregivers, statistics show that women are making great progress in business, politics and academic and economic careers, with more and more women reaching top positions.

Make a difference

Women of South Africa, be proud of what you have achieved. Let the achievements of those who went before you inspire you to unlock your own strength and motivate you to make a difference in your family, your community and your country.

Go out and celebrate the women that you are. Go out and make a difference this Women’s Month!

“Women of South Africa, be proud of what you

have achieved.”