The power of women – Celebrating Women’s Day
Celebrating the strength of women on Women's Day.
Malala Yousafzai once said, “I raise up my voice – not so I can shout, but so those without a voice can be heard. We cannot succeed when half of us are held back.”
This is such an inspiring quote in the light of the 70th anniversary of the day that 20 000 women marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria on 9 August 1956 in protest against the extension of Pass Laws to women.
This march was lead by Sophia Williams-De Bruyn, Lilian Ngoyi, Rahima Moosa and Helen Joseph. Over 100 000 signatures marked a number of petitions which were left with the prime minister, J.G. Stijdom. After handing in these documents at his office they stood quietly outside for about 30 minutes. Soon the women began to sing a protest song with words which translated into “Now you have touched the women, you have struck a rock”.
The Government of South Africa declared August women’s month and 9 August is celebrated annually as Women’s Day.
National Women’s Day draws attention to significant issues women still face today, such as parenting, domestic violence, sexual harassment in the workplace and unequal pay.
National Women’s Day is based around much of the same principles as International Women’s Day, and strives for much of the same freedoms and rights.
Happy Women’s Day to all the strong women. May you know them, may you be them and may you raise them.
