National Women’s Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about National Women’s Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. National Women’s Day is observed on August 9th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of National Women’s Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as intriguing facts you may want to know about National Women’s Day.

📅 What day is National Women’s Day 2024?

In 2024, National Women’s Day is on Wednesday, August 9th. It is the 2nd Wednesday in August; in 2024, it is Friday. There are until the next observance. You also can view all the fun details and facts about August 9, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

On August 9, 2023, National Women’s Day will be celebrated in South Africa. This annual weekday holiday is dedicated to honoring women and acknowledging their struggles against oppression. Despite the challenges they have faced throughout history, each fight for equality brings us one step closer to freedom. Scholarships can greatly support women in sustaining themselves and making significant contributions to their education. Start exploring suitable scholarship opportunities today.

📜 National Women’s Day History

Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa, and Sophia Williams led a protest where they submitted 14,000 petitions to the prime minister’s office. They held a peaceful demonstration for thirty minutes at the prime minister’s door, accompanied by 100,000 signatures. To ensure their voices were heard, they sang a specially written song titled “Wathint’Abafazi Wathint’imbokodo,” which means “Now that you have touched the women, you have struck a rock.”

This nonviolent protest had a significant impact, leading to the establishment of National Women’s Day. However, it wasn’t until 1995 that the day was officially recognized as a holiday. National Women’s Day highlights the ongoing challenges faced by African women, including domestic violence, workplace harassment, gender pay gaps, limited access to education for girls, and single-parenting with little support. In 1994, women had a meager representation of 2.7% in Parliament, but after the introduction of this national holiday, the number nearly doubled, with women now constituting 48% of the government.

✅ National Women’s Day Facts

🔖 The right to vote
In 1930, only white women had been granted the right to vote, and it had taken two decades for this legislation to be passed.

🔖 Women Organized Their Own Council
During the 1940s, the Alexandra Women’s Council took an active role in addressing squatting problems and went on to establish the Women of the Crossroads organization.

🔖 The fight for rights
In the year 1902, women were still regarded as being beneath men in social status, with society holding the belief that women were inferior.

👍 Why Is National Women’s Day Important

Having a day to remember women’s history and fights is a great way to remember and ensure future progress.

Women have faced numerous challenges, and having days like these raises awareness of how far women have come.

Women have fought for freedom for a long time, and this day honors all the sacrifices made by women throughout South African history.

🙂 How To Observe National Women’s Day

⚡ Attend a Reenactment

⚡ Attend an Awareness Event
To support the cause of women’s empowerment and raise awareness, there are numerous events and demonstrations that individuals can participate in.

⚡ Host A Viewing Party
The first recreation of the original protest took place in 2006, and another one is done each year. Spectating or signing up to participate is a wonderful way to celebrate the day’s heritage.

📅 When is National Women’s Day?

You can view all 🔗 August holidays, including 🔗 Cause and other 🔗 Awareness holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and cool facts about National Women’s Day. So be sure to check back soon.