NNA News - South Africa has commemorated the 70th anniversary of the historic 1956 Women’s March, with national celebrations at the Union Buildings in Pretoria reflecting on the role of women in the country’s struggle against apartheid and the continuing pursuit of gender equality. National Women’s Day, observed annually on Aug. 9, marks the day in 1956 when about 20,000 women from across South Africa marched to the Union Buildings to protest the apartheid government’s extension of pass laws to Black women.

Addressing this year’s national commemoration, President Cyril Ramaphosa paid tribute to the women who took part in the historic protest, saying their actions challenged not only the pass laws but also wider social attitudes towards women. "The women of 1956 were protesting against passes, but their message reached far beyond the pass laws. They challenged the idea that women should be confined to the home, silent in public affairs, and subordinate to men," Ramaphosa said.

The 1956 march was led by Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa and Sophia Williams-de Bruyn. The women gathered at the seat of government to oppose legislation that sought to extend the pass system to Black women. Ramaphosa said the protest became an important turning point in the country's liberation struggle, demonstrating the central role women played in challenging apartheid. "That march helped to change the course, the character, and the leadership of the struggle for freedom and justice in our country," he said.

The president said the women of 1956 were not merely participants in the broader struggle, but also leaders and organisers who helped shape the movement for freedom. He pointed to changes achieved since the end of apartheid in 1994, noting that women now have the right to vote, hold public office, own property and land, inherit property and occupy senior positions across public institutions. Despite these gains, Ramaphosa acknowledged that significant challenges remain, particularly economic exclusion and barriers that continue to limit opportunities for many women.