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Why do we celebrate Women’s Day?

Since its inception, a lot has been written about Women’s Day. Many people have questioned the validity, the relevance, and the very existence of the day. I have been one of those people.

Because really, what’s the point of having a Women’s Day when our government and our society clearly don’t have our best interests at heart?

Instead of pondering on this depressing reality (yet again) I’ve decided that this Women’s Day I will focus on the reason we have this holiday in the first place.

Because, it is a good reason, even if the present day status quo leaves a lot to be desired. I’m sure most of you know this already, but let’s recap the history quickly:

On the 9th of August in 1956, a protest of over 20 000 women, lead by Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Albertina Sisulu and Sophia Williams-De Bruyn marched to the Union Buildings.

They dropped off petitions, signed by more than 100 000, at Prime Minister J.G Strydom’s offices, protesting the pass laws that proposed further restrictions on the movements of women.

These women of all ages and races marched bravely even though they faced arrest, detention and even bannings. When they arrived at the Union Buildings they sang Nkosi sikelel' iAfrika and also a new song that was especially composed for this march, “Wathint' Abafazi Wathint' imbokodo!” (Now you have touched the women, you have struck a rock) less directly translated as "You strike a women and you strike a rock".

So, in a nutshell, Women’s Day is there to commemorate the bravery of those 20 000 women who put themselves at risk to rise up against injustice.

Is it just me, or do you think it’s time for another march? And because I’m so conflicted, please tell me what Women's Day means to you?
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