You strike a woman you strike a rock August is women’s month. We pay tribute to all the mothers and sisters who were a force to be reckoned with. Picture what it must have been like – over 20 000 women of all ages and races from all across South Africa marching together towards the Union Buildings in Pretoria. Though each marcher must have thought about the risk of arrest, they bravely came together on 9 August 1956 as a formidable force to protest against the pass laws that proposed further restrictions on the movements of women. It is an ideal time to celebrate and reflect on the status of women today and the advances made since that historical day when South African women organised one of the largest and most successful protests in the country’s history. The phrase ‘Strike a woman, strike a rock’ has come to represent women’s courage and strength. The Congress Alliance decided to mark 9 August celebrated as Women’s Day, and it is now, in the new South Africa, commemorated each year as a national holiday.

 

Wathint’ Abafazi Wathint’ Imbokodo (You Strike A Woman, You Strike A Rock).

 

Pumla Gobodo- Madikizela describes how the women’s movement grew across racial divides during the early years of the Anti-Apartheid struggle in South Africa.

 

 

Tags: 9 august 1956, featured, Woman's day, Women's day SOuth Africa