National Women’s Day commemoration

Name: National Women’s Day commemoration
Start: 2026-08-09
End: 2026-08-09
Location: Tshwane

A national ceremony held at the Union Buildings in Tshwane to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the 1956 women's march. The event features an address by the South African president and honors the legacy of anti-apartheid activism and gender equality.

Date: Aug 9, 2026
Location: Tshwane

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Event summary

Highlights

Keynote address by President Cyril Ramaphosa
Attendance by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai
70th anniversary tribute to the 1956 women's march
Presence of 1956 march leader Sophie Williams-de Bruyn

The National Women’s Day commemoration is a major state ceremony held at the Union Buildings in Tshwane. The 2026 event marks a milestone 70th anniversary of the historic 1956 march, during which roughly 20,000 women protested against apartheid pass laws. The gathering serves to reflect on the progress of gender parity in South Africa while addressing current issues such as economic disparities and land ownership.

During the 2026 proceedings, President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered a keynote address focusing on the government's efforts to increase women's participation in the economy and the classification of gender-based violence as a national disaster. The ceremony was attended by notable figures including Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai and Sophie Williams-de Bruyn, one of the original leaders of the 1956 march.

Beyond domestic concerns, the event emphasized international solidarity, specifically regarding the rights of women and girls in regions like Afghanistan. The commemoration highlights the role of education and health in ensuring independence and equality for women across all sectors of society.

Practical details

Location described by the source: Union Buildings; witness.co.za
Area for browsing nearby events: Tshwane

Before attending

Check the sources below for current opening times, admission prices and registration requirements. A date range does not mean the event runs continuously or that admission is free.