NATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

On 9 August 1956 approximately 20 000 women, from all walks of life, participated in a march outside the Union Buildings in Pretoria. It was probably the single most famous protest by women to have taken place in the history of South Africa. The Union Building site was chosen because of its historical significance in the development of the apartheid struggle. Women were opposing the law which forced the black population to carry a pass (or document) with them at all times to permit them entering a 'white area'. "You strike the women, you strike the rock", was chanted during the protest and this gave strength to South African women who suffered from exploitation and discrimination during the apartheid era. Programmes such as Violence against Women and others have been established as a result of this march and the determination of women countrywide. On National Women's Day 2000, the Women's Monument at the Union Buildings was unveiled to recognise women's contribution towards gender equity and human rights for all. In many parts of South Africa, women still bear the brunt of extreme poverty, abuse, over-exploitation, oppression and great suffering, yet they are still the "rock" upon which family life and our society depends. On National Women's Day all women are affirmed, their courage and sacrifices over the ages acknowledged, and their aspirations and achievements applauded.