International Women’s Day 2026

Editor

9th March 2026

Business, Public Sector Leaders

By Shumirai Chimombe

International Women’s Day: A rallying call for Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls

“Imagine a gender-equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge gender equality.” -International Women’s Day

Observed globally on 8 March each year, International Women’s Day (IWD) was established 115 years ago in 1911 to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender equality.

This year’s theme, “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls”, called for action to dismantle all barriers to equal justice: discriminatory laws, weak legal protections, and harmful practices and social norms that erode the rights of women and girls.

The South African government took this opportunity to reflect on the historic 1956 Women’s March in which more than 20 000 women of all races, some with babies on their backs, marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria in protest against the oppressive pass laws that restricted the freedom of movement of black South Africans.

Led by courageous activists including Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa and Sophia Williams-De Bruyn, the women marched in peaceful defiance against the apartheid regime. They stood in silence for 30 minutes before singing the now iconic protest song “Wathint’ abafazi, Wathint’ imbokodo” (You Strike a Woman, You Strike a Rock).

In a statement, the government indicated that the women’s actions “sent a powerful message that women would not accept injustice and firmly established the critical role women played in the struggle for freedom, equality and human dignity.

“The 1956 march marked a defining moment in South Africa’s history. It challenged both racial oppression and restrictive social norms, demonstrating that women’s contributions extend far beyond the household to every sphere of society. The bravery and determination of these women laid a strong foundation for the advancement of women’s rights and gender equality for future generations.”

Going Down Memory Lane

Sophie De Bruyn, who was one of the four leaders chosen to deliver the memorandum of demands, sat down in conversation with SABC News recently to share her story .

She said that the appointment of the four leaders was very simple because there was the Coloured Congress, there was the Indian Congress, there was the White Congress of Democrats and the African National Congress.

“And working in these congresses, it was simple to choose the leaders because they were known to the communities and also they were used to organising in the factories.”

The women who joined the march raised their own funds to get to Pretoria with whatever means they could. “It was a happy and joyous time to meet everybody, women that you didn’t know and there was that festive air among the women. She said that the March up to the Union Buildings was very disciplined, and very dignified.

Tackling Gender-based Violence and Femicide (GBVF)

The South African government also used this day to shine a spotlight on GBVF and called on all South Africans to play their part in dismantling the attitudes and behaviours that enable violence against women and children. This includes reporting abuse, supporting victims and refusing to remain silent in the face of injustice. The safety and dignity of women and children is everyone’s responsibility.

“As we commemorate International Women’s Day and honour the legacy of the women of 1956, Government calls on all South Africans to work together to build a society that is free from GBVF, and where the rights, safety and empowerment of women are fully realised.”

Equality Remains Unfinished Business

Commonwealth Secretary-General, Hon Shirley Botchwey said that as we mark International Women’s Day 2026, the global call – ‘Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls’ – reminds us of the continuing challenge of gender equality.

“Because equality remains unfinished business. Across the world, not one target under Sustainable Development Goal 5 has been fully achieved. At current rates, gender parity in parliaments could still be decades away. For millions of women and girls, especially those living in poverty, progress feels even more distant.

The cost of delay cannot adequately be measured in statistics, but in lost potential. And yet, across our Commonwealth, I see something else. I see women rebuilding communities after climate disasters. I see young women leading digital innovation. I see entrepreneurs creating jobs, peace builders strengthening democracy, and girls stepping into classrooms determined to shape their own futures. Women and girls are not victims of change: they are leaders of it.”

Honouring Women’s Voices on the African Continent

His Excellency Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission gave a special message on the occasion of International Women’s Day 2026.

He said that through instruments such as the Maputo Protocol, the African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls, the Solemn Declaration on Gender Equality in Africa, and the AU Strategy for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment, Africa has established one of the most progressive normative frameworks for women’s rights in the world.

“To the women and girls of Africa: your aspirations lie at the heart of Agenda 2063 — The Africa We Want. Your leadership is essential to building a peaceful, prosperous and inclusive continent. On this momentous occasion, let us continue to honour women’s voices, recognise their contributions and renew our commitment to building an Africa where every woman and every girl lives in dignity, equality and freedom.”

Women have only 64% of the legal rights that men hold worldwide
If progress continues at its current pace, it will take 286 years to close legal protection gaps
In fundamental areas of life, including work, money, safety, family, property, mobility, business, and retirement – the law systematically disadvantages women
In many countries, the law allows for early and child marriage, which erodes the full potential of about 12 million girls annually.

-United Nations