International Women's Day

International Women's Day History

International Women's Day (IWD) is dedicated to celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality. It is important to note that International Women's Day is not specific to a country, group or organisation. It collectively belongs to all groups everywhere and in every country. Additionally, the celebration spurs global action to challenge bias, encourage a gender-balanced world, and seeks to forge women's empowerment.

The impetus for establishing an International Women's Day can be traced back to the early 20th century, majorly spurred by women's labour movements. For South Africa, this observance carries a special historical significance, associated with the 1956 women's march in Pretoria against the discriminatory pass laws. Thus, International Women's Day in South Africa underscores the bravery of those women and reminds us of their ability to effect change. It also enables a critical look at the progress made towards gender equality and women's empowerment in the country since the end of apartheid.

In South Africa, International Women's Day is celebrated through public rallies, networking events, theatrical performances, educational workshops, and more. These events serve to recognises the contributions of South African women to their communities and nation, whilst also addressing the existing challenges faced by women, such as gender-based violence. International Women's Day takes place every year on March 8th.

Top 9 Facts for 2026 International Women's Day in South Africa

• The official United Nations theme for 2026 is Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls, a call to move beyond symbolic gestures toward structural accountability and the dismantling of legal barriers that systematically disadvantage women
• Following the influential G20 Women's Shutdown protests, the South African government has formally declared gender-based violence and femicide a national disaster to prioritize emergency resources and state intervention for the protection of women
• A significant development this year is the launch of the 1000 Women 1 Voice WhatsApp chatbot, a digital tool designed by the 1000 Women Trust to provide survivors with 24-hour access to trauma support and guidance on legal procedures
• Literature enthusiasts are focusing on the release of the book 101 Remarkable South African Women by Lizette Rabe, which chronicles the impact of female trailblazers ranging from the historical figure Krotoa to contemporary global icons such as Tyla
• In the film industry, the debut feature Laundry by director Zamo Mkhwanazi is receiving acclaim for its powerful depiction of family resilience and resistance against the backdrop of historical oppression in South Africa
• The 2026 observance is strategically aligned with the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, where delegates are addressing the global reality that women currently hold only 64 percent of the legal rights afforded to men
• The soulful 2026 anthem Still She Rises by the musical collective Chioma's Tribe has become a prominent soundtrack for community rallies and digital tributes across the country
• Many South Africans are participating in the RememberHER campaign, which utilizes 15-minute silent lie-down protests to honor the memory of the approximately 15 women who lose their lives to violence every day in the nation
• While today marks a global movement for gender equality, South Africans often use the occasion to reflect on the legacy of their own National Women's Day, which commemorates the 1956 march of 20,000 women to the Union Buildings to protest discriminatory pass laws.

In the News and Trending in South Africa for International Women's Day

Top things to do in South Africa for International Women's Day

• Attend one of many popular Women’s day events including: WeCon Women's Empowerment Conference (Austin, TX), Women of the World Festival (UK), and The Empowerment Bridge (NYC).
• If you’re a man, show appreciation by performing a chore for your special lady that is typically done by her. This may include cooking, cleaning, child care or anything that the special woman in your life does.
• Join in on the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event. Men that participate are encouraged to walk a mile in high heels to rase awareness about gender-based violence and discrimination.
• Attend workshops that bring women together to promote equality and leadership such as the Women's Leadership Conference.