Accelerate Action this National Women's Day

"Wathint’Abafazi, Wathint’imbokodo!" You strike a woman, you strike a rock.

This powerful phrase echoed across Pretoria on 9 August 1956, as more than 20,000 fearless women marched to the Union Buildings. They came from all corners of South Africa, united by one shared purpose: to protest against the cruel and dehumanising Pass Laws that sought to control their movement and silence their voices.

They stood in silence for 30 long minutes — a silence louder than any shout — then sang their resistance into the heart of the apartheid regime. Among these courageous women stood maidens like Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa, and Sophia Williams-De Bruyn. They carried the hopes of women and the weight of a nation on their shoulders. It was a march, it was a movement, and today all South African women celebrate this special event in history as National Women’s Day.

Why August 9 Matters

The theme "Accelerate Action" is a call to action. It aims to encourage reflection on strategies, resources, and activities that can positively impact the development of women. It highlights the importance of celebrating women's achievements and addressing ongoing challenges. This public holiday is deeply rooted in decades of courage, struggle, and sisterhood.

From the early pioneers to the women reshaping parliament and policy today, South African women have always been at the frontlines in the fight for freedom. In 1994, women made up just 2.7% of Parliament, while today, nearly half of South Africa’s government includes women. That is the power of persistence!

Challenges remain. Women still face gender-based violence, unequal pay, educational disparities, and domestic pressures that often go unnoticed. Globally, 1 in 3 women experiences violence. Over 650 million girls are married before the age of 18, while 82 million women have no legal workplace protection. The numbers are staggering — but they fuel the fire for change.

Participate in the Spirit of Women’s Day 2025

National Women's Day is usually packed with festivities, activism, reflection, and community events. This year is no different. In Cape Town, discover some thrilling events for women on 9 August.

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Simon's Bay Mile Women’s Day Swim

Location: Simon’s Town

Dive into the Atlantic Ocean at Long Beach and participate in South Africa’s only Women’s Mile swim. Whether you're a seasoned swimmer or simply love the sea, join women of all ages as they complete a 1-mile loop in the stunning Simon’s Bay — home to kelp forests, penguins, puffadder shy sharks, and the toot of a navy ship as the train docks in the station. Swimmers must remember to wear a brightly coloured pink, yellow, green, red or orange swimming cap. All Junior and Over 65 swimmers will receive a FREE Women's Day Mile swim cap! There will be category prizes for the Top 3 Swimmers in Open Skins and Wetsuits, along with the top 3 Junior Swimmers and Over 65s too!

The Totalsports Women’s Race

Location: Darling Street, District Six, Cape Town

Join nearly 20,000 runners and walkers in a sweeping wave of pink! Choose between a 5km or 10km route, and feel the energy of solidarity, sisterhood, and strength. Live music, vibrant vibes, and a few joyful tears are all part of the journey as all women wear pink to celebrate THEIR special day. The race kicks off early in the morning and has been a calendar event since 2001. Runners can watch live music performances too.

Find out more here.

Strandloper Trail Run – Classic Coastal Adventure

Location: Noordhoek Beach

Run, breathe, and reconnect with nature. This is an epic trail run fused with a lifestyle event that includes music, coffee, and bacon rolls (or veggie options!). Bonus: runners help clean the coast, one piece of litter at a time. Talk about giving back! The 16 km race starts on Noordhoek Beach at low tide and ends in Scarborough at Camel Rock Restaurant. Runners are immersed in spectacular scenery while seals, sea birds and small antelope feed nearby.

Get involved here.

Because Every Day is Women’s Day

In homes, offices, kitchens, fields, classrooms and boardrooms, women are multitasking, managing, leading, nurturing, creating, building, healing, and making it all look effortless. National Women’s Day isn’t just a moment to spoil our women, it’s a moment to stand with them.

So on 9 August, whether you're swimming a mile, walking in pink, reading at the library, or simply letting the women in your life rest, reflect on this: we stand on the shoulders of giants — and we owe it to them to keep marching forward.

"Here’s to strong women: May we know them, may we be them, may we raise them."

Happy Women’s Day!