National Women’s Day ― Date, History, and Details
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Let's dive deeper into learning more about the history of National Women’s Day and why people celebrate or observe it.
History of National Women’s Day and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
National Women’s Day is a public holiday in South Africa that commemorates the 1956 women’s march to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest against the pass laws that required black people to carry passes to enter white areas. The day is also celebrated in other countries, including Argentina, Cuba, and Venezuela.
In South Africa, National Women’s Day is an opportunity to reflect on the progress made in the struggle for gender equality and women’s empowerment, and to recommit to the unfinished business of the emancipation of women. The day also celebrates the many contributions of women to the country, in all spheres of life.
The theme for National Women’s Day 2020 is “Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world”. This theme recognises the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on women and girls, and the need for women’s leadership at all levels to steer us towards an equal future.