As South Africa joins the global community in observing International Women's Day, the government has urged citizens to take proactive steps to eliminate the underlying attitudes and behaviors that perpetuate violence against women and children.

This year's commemoration aligns with the theme “Give to Gain” and also marks the 70th anniversary of the historic 1956 Women's March, a pivotal moment in the nation's struggle for equality.

A legacy of courage and defiance

On August 9, 1956, over 20,000 women marched to Pretoria's Union Buildings, protesting the oppressive pass laws that restricted the movement of black South Africans. Led by fearless activists such as Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa, and Sophia Williams-De Bruyn, the march was a powerful yet peaceful act of defiance against apartheid.

The women stood in silence for 30 minutes before singing the iconic protest song, ‘Wathint’ abafazi, Wathint’ imbokodo’ (You strike a woman, you strike a rock), an anthem that underscored the determination of South African women to fight for justice, freedom, and human dignity.

The 1956 march sent a clear message that women would not tolerate oppression. It solidified their critical role in the fight for equality and freedom, a legacy that continues to inspire the quest for gender equality today.

The need for continued action

The 1956 march symbolized a turning point in South Africa's history, not only challenging racial oppression but also confronting restrictive gender norms. Women's contributions to society went beyond the domestic sphere and into every aspect of public life.

However, decades later, women still face a daunting challenge—gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide (GBVF). “Today, women face a different but equally serious threat in the form of gender-based violence and femicide,” said Acting Government Spokesperson Nomonde Mnukwa.

According to the 2022 National Gender-Based Violence Study by the Human Sciences Research Council, over 35% of South African women aged 18 and older have experienced physical or sexual violence, with many of the incidents involving intimate partners. This data is crucial for shaping interventions under the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide.

Collective action for change

Government officials have emphasized that GBVF is a national crisis that requires a united response from all sectors of society. "The fight to end this violence demands a collective and coordinated effort from communities, civil society, government, faith-based organizations, business, and citizens," said Mnukwa.

This year's theme, “Give to Gain”, serves as a call to action for all South Africans to actively confront the harmful attitudes and behaviors that enable violence against women and children. Citizens are urged to report abuse, support victims, and speak out against injustice.

“Ensuring the safety and dignity of women and children is a shared responsibility,” Mnukwa added. “As we commemorate International Women's Day and honor the legacy of the women of 1956, we call on all South Africans to come together and create a society where the rights, safety, and empowerment of women are fully realized. A society free from violence.”

(Edited by CGTN Africa's Halligan Agade)