Every August, South Africa commemorates Women's Month. We, by the same token, pay tribute to the over 20,000 women who marched to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956 in protest of the Pass Laws. A system designed to further oppress women and convert them into submission.
This year's Women Month will focus on the topic "Generation Equality: Achieving Women's Rights for an Equal Future." Generation Equality is a global initiative that connects South Africa to efforts worldwide to achieve gender equality by 2030.
Women's Month is a tribute not only to the thousands of women who marched on that day in 1956, but also to the pioneers of the women's movement in this country, dating all the way back to 1913, when women such as Charlotte Maxeke paved the way for the establishment of the ANC Women's League and encouraged women to participate in the struggle for freedom. Cissy, Jaynab, and Amina Gool were pioneers in the 1930s, serving as leaders of the National Liberation League and the Non-European United Front.
Ray Alexander Simons, Elizabeth Mafikeng, and Elizabeth Abrahams will forever be linked to women's battles. Amina Pahad and Gadijah Christopher, who were among the first volunteers to occupy the 1946 Passive Resistance Campaign location on Umbilo Road in Durban in the 1940s, cannot be overlooked. To all women in our country: We salute you!!
