You strike a woman, you strike a rock!
We can all agree that women are phenomenal beings, who have carried generations to greatness. And every year, on the 9th of August, we celebrate them.
In case you’re still wondering why it is that we have a day dedicated to women, here’s why: this holiday commemorates a day in history when women, from all walks of life; different creeds, colours, and religions, came together to say enough is enough.
On the 9th of August 1956, approximately 20,000 women marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest against legislation aimed at tightening the movement of black women in urban areas, by the then government.
The march was led by Lillian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa, and Sophia Williams-De Bruyn. This fact, amongst others, helped prove the stereotype of women as inept and unable to work together as inaccurate.
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Sophia Williams-De Bruyn explained in an interview that if police had been sent to meet them, the women had planned to kneel down and pray, which meant that they would’ve had to arrest all of them.
It is because of this graceful bravery and comradeship that we celebrate women, and remember the amazing women that were part of the 1956 march.
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Wherever you find yourself this Women’s Day, show the women in your life some appreciation; and to the selfless women who nurture, take care of families, help grow businesses, hold households and countries together - we salute you.
Happy Women’s Month.