Women’s Parliament to Honour 70 Years of Women’s Courage, Resistance and Vision

Parliament will this week convene the Women's Parliament in Kimberley, Northern Cape, in remembrance of the historic 1956 Women's March, a defining moment in South Africa's journey towards justice, equality and dignity.

Seventy years after more than 20,000 women marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest against unjust pass laws, their courage continues to echo across generations. Held under the theme Wathint' Abafazi, Wathint' Imbokodo: 70 Years of Resistance, 72 Years of Vision - Advancing Gender Justice, Equality and Resilient Economies for All, this year's Women's Parliament will honour that powerful legacy while looking ahead to a more equal and resilient future.

The gathering will bring together women from diverse sectors and communities to reflect on how far South Africa has come in advancing women's rights, and to renew the national commitment to the work that still lies ahead. It will also provide an important platform to consider the aspirations of the Women's Charters of 1954, 1994 and 2021, and how these commitments align with the National Development Plan 2030 and the African Union's Agenda 2063.

Through dialogue and reflection, participants will assess the impact of government policies and programmes on the lives of women, while exploring practical solutions to the challenges that continue to affect women across the country. The programme will also consider how Parliament can strengthen oversight, accountability and the monitoring of resolutions adopted by the Women's Parliament, so that commitments made translate into meaningful change.

This landmark gathering is both a tribute and a call to action: a moment to honour seven decades of resistance, celebrate the vision of generations of women, and advance a shared future rooted in gender justice, equality and resilient economies for all.

Details of the Women's Parliament

Date: 13-14 August 2026

Time: 10:00

Venue: Kimberley, Sol Plaatjie University Great Hall

Media Accreditation

Members of the media who wish to cover the event are requested to apply for accreditation by sending an email with their full names, ID number and media house to [email protected] or contact 081 716 2021.