South African National Women’s Day National Women’s Day is one of South African public holidays observed on 9 August every year. The holiday commemorates South African women’s participation in a national march to petition against pass laws – a regulation to carry a special identification document for South African to enter the ‘white area’ during apartheid system – on 9 August 1956. When is South African National Women’s Day 2013? South African National Women’s Day will be celebrated on Monday, 9 September 2013. The Origin of South African National Women’s Day On 9 August 1956, more than 20,000 women in South African joined national march towards the Union Buildings of South Africa in Pretoria. They protested against the regulation which require South African people to carry a pass, special identification document, to be able to enter ‘white area’ during apartheid era. Four South African women Helen Joseph, Lilian Ngoyi, Albertina Sisulu, and Sophie Williams led the march and handed a petition signed by about a hundred thousands women throughout the nation to the Prime Minister’s office while the mass of women sang a protest song containing the phrase “Now you have touched the women, you have struck a rock). Since 1994, the anniversary of South African women’s march is observed as National Women’s Day. South African National Women’s Day 2013 Celebration People in South Africa celebrate National Women’s Day as a commemoration of 1956 women’s march as well as a special day to honor and respect women throughout the nation. To honor the leader of 1956 women’s march, the government renamed Strijdom Square as Lilian Ngoyi Square. Lilian Ngoyi Square is the name of the place where the Union Buildings are located. National Women’s Day is acknowledged as a public holiday in South Africa, thus, most students and employees in both public and private sectors are granted a day off. Some people enjoy their holiday by taking a trip and visiting places of interest in South Africa. Some others prefer staying at home to enjoy quality time with their family. Happy South African Women’s Day 2013 !
Posted on: Thu, 08 Aug 2013 23:08:49 +0000
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