President Cyril Ramaphosa Leads Commemoration of 1956 Women's March

• President Cyril Ramaphosa led the nation in commemorating the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Women's March.
• The event honored over 20,000 women who marched against apartheid government pass laws on August 9, 1956.
• Gender-based violence (GBVF) has been classified as a national disaster, requiring collective action to end these crimes.
• South Africa has made significant strides in empowering women since democracy in 1994, but much work remains to be done.

President Cyril Ramaphosa led the nation in commemorating the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Women's March, held at the Union Buildings in Tshwane. The event honored the over 20,000 women who marched against apartheid government pass laws on August 9, 1956. The President emphasized that this day was not just a commemoration but also a significant milestone for the country. He highlighted the bravery of the women who stood silently for 30 minutes, bearing petitions with 100,000 signatures, and their determination to fight for justice.

The President saluted the four women at the forefront of the march: Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa, and Sophie de Bruyn. He acknowledged that while we know some of the names of those who participated, many remain unknown, and he encouraged families and individuals to come forward with their stories through the 'Write Her into History' campaign.

The classification of gender-based violence (GBVF) as a national disaster has significant implications for compliance with existing laws and regulations. The government's decision to classify GBVF as a national disaster aims to harness all state resources to end these crimes. This move recognizes that GBVF is not just a women's issue but a societal problem requiring collective action. Lawyers should note that this classification may impact compliance with laws related to women's empowerment and protection, highlighting the need for ongoing efforts to address GBVF.

The commemoration of the 1956 Women's March is a poignant reminder of the progress made in empowering women since democracy in 1994. South Africa has achieved significant gains, with women holding key positions such as Ministers, Deputy Ministers, and other political offices. However, much work remains to be done, particularly in addressing GBVF. The government's commitment to ending GBVF is evident in its efforts to classify it as a national disaster, demonstrating the need for continued collective action to protect women's rights and safety.

Lawyers should note that the classification of gender-based violence as a national disaster may have implications for compliance with existing laws and regulations, particularly those related to women's empowerment and protection.

Source: Original reporting via AllAfrica SA