Celebrating Woman’s Day

By Jurina Nkwazi
9 August 2010

It was exactly 54 years ago when over 20 000 women marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria in protest against the pass law system during the apartheid era.

Whilst protesting the women sang a protest song composed in their honour "you strike a woman, you strike a rock". The statement is currently usd in South Africa to represent women's courage and strength.

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga says it is only through placing issues underlying the misery of women high on the transformation agenda that government can achieve equal opportunities and progress for all. The development of young women must be prioritised.

Motshekga was speaking at a memorial lecture in East London ahead of Women’s Day today when thousands of women were expected to gather at the Absa Stadium today to celebrate the event.

She paid particular tribute to the women who led the daring protest march against the pass law system on 9 August 1956.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance said respect for women should become a way of life that includes mutual respect, dignity, and protection of the Bill of Rights and Constitution.

This dignity and respect begins at home where children follow the examples of their parents.