Women's Month August 2006

Home

Calendar of Events (all)
Gauteng
Limpopo
KwaZulu Natal
Western Cape
Eastern Cape
Northern Cape
North West
Free State
Mpumalanga

Women's Charter (external link)
SA History - photo's and stories (external Link)

email us to add your event!

Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the women's march 1956

This page highlights the activities planned in South Africa to commemorate 50 years of the Women’s March. It also provides some historical information and links to other interesting resources.

In August 2006 we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the historic women’s march to the Union Buildings protesting against the pass laws. We also celebrate many achievements – made possible only by the foundation laid by those who came before us, including those who marched on 9 August 1956.

The 50th anniversary provides an opportunity for those working to advance women’s rights in the contemporary to reflect on the form and impact of our activism. At Women’sNet we are asking ourselves: What is the nature of our feminist activism and how do we leverage it for women’s advancement? Read more in the latest issue of Intersections: Feminism in Action

Where it all started

On August 9, 1956, 20 000 women from all parts of South Africa staged a second march on the Union Buildings. Prime Minister Strijdom, who had been notified of the women's mission, was not there to receive them. When he failed to meet with them, the women left bundles of petitions containing more than 100 000 signatures at the Prime Minister's door. Outside the Government building, they stood silently for 30 minutes, their hands raised in the Congress salute. Read more

Events for Women's Month 2006: (click on the links on the left to select a province)