2. Women’s March (1956)
Women’s March against the Pass Law. Photo credit: African Feminist Forum
The Women’s March against the Pass Laws on August 9, 1956, is regarded as one of the largest demonstrations to have ever been held in South Africa. On that day, at least 20,000 women of all races marched to Pretoria’s Union Buildings to present a petition against the carrying of passes by women to the then-Prime Minister J. G. Strijdom. The march, which was organized by the Federation of South African Women, is celebrated as Women’s Day on August 9th every year.
