20,000 Women Defy Apartheid
70 years ago, a peaceful march sparked a 30-year fight that toppled racist pass laws and paved the way for democracy in South Africa
South Africa is commemorating 70 years since the historic march to the Union Buildings, where over 20,000 women gathered peacefully on 9 August 1956 to protest against unjust pass laws. The march, led by prominent figures such as Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa, and Sophia Williams-De Bruyn, was a pivotal moment in the country's history.
The 1956 march was a significant event that brought together women from different backgrounds and races to fight against the restrictive pass laws that dictated where they could work and live. The laws were a major obstacle to the freedom and dignity of Black people in South Africa.
The protest led to the repeal of the pass laws in 1986, through the Abolition of Influx Control Act. This marked the beginning of the collapse of the apartheid government and paved the way for the new democratic dispensation in 1994.
Since then, South Africa has made significant progress in promoting women's rights and equality. The country ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women in 1995, as well as the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. South Africa has also aligned itself with the African Union's Maputo Protocol and the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development.
## Why it matters The march and the subsequent repeal of the pass laws were crucial steps towards achieving equality and human rights in South Africa. The country's commitment to promoting women's rights and equality has been demonstrated through its ratification of international agreements and its progress reports to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. The legacy of the 1956 march continues to inspire efforts to promote equality and dignity for all.
The new democratic dispensation in South Africa, established in 1994, has led to a deliberate effort to repeal discriminatory laws and replace them with laws that promote equality, dignity, and human rights. The country's progress in this area is a testament to the power of peaceful protest and the importance of continued pressure for change.
As South Africa marks 70 years since the historic march, it is a reminder of the significance of the event and the progress that has been made towards achieving equality and human rights. The country continues to work towards a more equal and just society, and the legacy of the 1956 march will remain an important part of its history.
