Parliament, Friday, 9 August 2024 – Parliament’s Presiding Officers, led by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms. Thoko Didiza, and the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Ms. Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, join South Africans today in commemorating the 68th anniversary of Women’s Day.
This day holds profound significance for the country as we reflect on the historic Women's March of 1956. On this day, 68 years ago, women—young and old, of all races, some with babies on their backs and coming from all corners of South Africa—descended on Pretoria for a march to the Union Buildings to protest against oppressive pass laws. The indomitable spirit of the women of 1956 has shaped our country’s destiny and ignited a beacon of hope that continues to guide us today. Their unity and determination still inspire us to strive for a more just, equitable, and inclusive society.
The Presiding Officers remarked, “Women’s Day presents us with an opportunity for deeper reflection on the country’s progress over the last 30 years of democracy towards greater gender equity and inclusivity. The democratic dividend has been felt by many as our women have become makers of history as leaders in government, parliament and legislatures, the judiciary, and the private sector. Notably, among them is Justice Mandisa Maya, the first woman appointed as Chief Justice in the country. We welcome and applaud this historic milestone.”
Reflecting on the past thirty years of freedom, Parliament has passed laws that have significantly improved the lives of women compared to what our forebears experienced under apartheid and colonialism. These legislative efforts have focused on promoting gender equality, protecting women's rights, and ensuring their participation in all aspects of society, from the workplace to the political arena. Parliament has also reinforced its commitment to combating gender-based violence by passing laws designed to enhance protection for victims and ensure justice for survivors. These advancements mark significant strides towards a more just and equitable society.
This year also marks the 70th anniversary of the adoption of the 1954 Women’s Charter by the founding conference of the Federation of South African Women (FSAW). The Charter called for, among other things, the enfranchisement of men and women of all races; equal opportunities in employment; equal pay for equal work; equal rights concerning property, marriage, and children; and the removal of all laws and customs that denied women such equality.
However, as we reflect on the progress made in uplifting women over the last 30 years, we must also acknowledge the challenges that persist.
The Presiding Officers stated, “In celebrating these milestones and advances made in the pursuit of women’s emancipation during the last thirty years of our democracy, we remain conscious that much more needs to be done to achieve a non-sexist, non-racial, democratic, and prosperous South Africa. We must do more, be more vigilant, and guard against the scourge threatening the gains of progress made for our women. This responsibility is a shared one—for government, Parliament, and every South African.”
Parliament will continue to enhance its oversight to ensure the effective implementation of legislation and policies to promote and protect the constitutionally enshrined rights of women in society.
On this Women’s Day, let us honour the memory of those who sacrificed so much to advance women’s social, political, and economic status in the country. Parliament salutes all the women of South Africa and reaffirms its commitment to the ongoing programme for greater women empowerment, emancipation, and development, and continues to fight the scourge of all forms of violence against women.
ISSUED BY PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
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