International Women's Day

International Women's Day History

International Women's Day (IWD) is dedicated to celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality. It is important to note that International Women's Day is not specific to a country, group or organisation. It collectively belongs to all groups everywhere and in every country. Additionally, the celebration spurs global action to challenge bias, encourage a gender-balanced world, and seeks to forge women's empowerment.

The impetus for establishing an International Women's Day can be traced back to the early 20th century, majorly spurred by women's labour movements. For South Africa, this observance carries a special historical significance, associated with the 1956 women's march in Pretoria against the discriminatory pass laws. Thus, International Women's Day in South Africa underscores the bravery of those women and reminds us of their ability to effect change. It also enables a critical look at the progress made towards gender equality and women's empowerment in the country since the end of apartheid.

In South Africa, International Women's Day is celebrated through public rallies, networking events, theatrical performances, educational workshops, and more. These events serve to recognises the contributions of South African women to their communities and nation, whilst also addressing the existing challenges faced by women, such as gender-based violence. International Women's Day takes place every year on March 8th.

Top 8 Facts for 2026 International Women's Day in South Africa

• The United Nations has designated the official theme for this year's observance as Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls, focusing on the urgent need to dismantle structural barriers and legal gaps that continue to obstruct equal justice for women globally.
• The global campaign theme Give To Gain is being promoted to encourage a spirit of collaboration and reciprocal support, emphasizing that intentional investment in women’s advancement results in collective societal progress.
• South Africa marks this occasion under the leadership of its first-ever female Chief Justice, Mandisa Maya, whose historic appointment serves as a significant milestone for the country’s judiciary and constitutional democracy.
• International attention is currently focused on the Johannesburg Goals, a set of targets established during South Africa’s G20 presidency that aims to reduce the gender wage gap and the burden of unpaid care work by 35% by the year 2035.
• The Oliewenhuis Art Museum in Bloemfontein is celebrating women’s voices through its current exhibition, Beyond Walls: Emerging Contemporary Voices, which features the work of South African artists such as Thalente Khomo and Asiphile Luthuli.
• The recently crowned Mrs South Africa 2026, Verushka Singh, is utilizing the platform to champion the intersection of climate justice and gender equality, highlighting her professional background as a chemical engineer in the sustainability sector.
• Recent statistical analysis reveals that South Africa has successfully closed approximately 77% of its national gender gap, maintaining its position as one of the leading countries in sub-Saharan Africa for women's political participation.
• Preparations are underway across the continent for the upcoming Women Deliver 2026 conference, which is expected to be a pivotal moment for African feminist movements to influence global policy on reproductive health and economic empowerment.

In the News and Trending in South Africa for International Women's Day

Top things to do in South Africa for International Women's Day

• Attend one of many popular Women’s day events including: WeCon Women's Empowerment Conference (Austin, TX), Women of the World Festival (UK), and The Empowerment Bridge (NYC).
• If you’re a man, show appreciation by performing a chore for your special lady that is typically done by her. This may include cooking, cleaning, child care or anything that the special woman in your life does.
• Join in on the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event. Men that participate are encouraged to walk a mile in high heels to rase awareness about gender-based violence and discrimination.
• Attend workshops that bring women together to promote equality and leadership such as the Women's Leadership Conference.