On the 9th of August we celebrate women. Why this specific day you may ask?
Well on this day in 1956, more than 20 000 women of various races and ages, and from all over South Africa, marched towards the Union Building in Pretoria.
This march was orchestrated by the Federation of South African Women (FEDSAW) and led by four brave women named Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa, Sophie Williams and Lilian Ngoyi. The goal was to deliver petitions which reflected the anger of women all over South Africa, regarding the issue of having their freedom of movement restricted by the pass laws.
So every year on 9 August we not only celebrate the success of the march, but also the bravery of these women who risked being arrested or even banned.
It is also a prompt to take to heart the words of one of these brave leaders: “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.” – Helen Keller
Happy Women’s Day to all!
