SA celebrates International Women’s Day while commemorating 1956 women’s march

South Africa is celebrating International Women’s Day on Sunday under the theme “Give to gain”, while commemorating the 1956 women’s march, which took place 70 years ago.

In 1956, more than 20,000 women marched to the Union Buildings to oppose apartheid pass laws.

The march was led by Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa and Sophia Williams-De Bruyn.

Acting government spokesperson Nomonde Mnukwa said the legacy of the march continues today as South Africa works to address gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide, which remains a national disaster, and has called on all citizens to help end violence against women and children.

“Ending this doubt demands the active participation of communities, civil society, government, faith-based organization, business, labour, and citizens. The theme of the International Women's Day gives to gain cause on all South Africans to play their part in dismantling the attitudes and behaviours that enable violence against women and children.”