"Wathint' abafazi, wathint' imbokodo: You strike a woman you strike a rock"
As part of the Anti-Pass Campaign, on August 9, 1956, 20.000 women of all races, some with babies on their backs, from the cities and towns, from reserves and villages, took a petition addressed to South Africa's Prime Minister to the Union Buildings in Pretoria. Prime Minister Strijdom was not in. The petition demanded of him that the pass laws be abolished.
Women's March - 1956 (1956-09-09)Original Source: Baileys African History Archive
Arriving at the march
Women arrive in the city and wait for the march to begin...
Women's March - 1956 (1956-09-09) by Drum Social HistoriesOriginal Source: Gille de Vlieg / South Photos / african.pictures
the Federation of South African Women (FEDSAW)
The march was organised by the Federation of South African Women (FEDSAW). The organisation famously challenged the common view that a woman's place is in the kitchen arguing that a woman's place is everywhere.
Women's March - 1956 (1956-09-09) by Drum Social HistoriesOriginal Source: Baileys African History Archive / african.pictures
Inspirational leaders
The march was led by Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Albertina Sisulu and Sophia Williams-De Bruyn.
Women's March - 1956 (1956-09-09)Original Source: Baileys African History Archive
Singing together
After the petition was handed over to the Prime Minster's secretary, the women sang a freedom song: Wathint` abafazi, Strijdom!
Women's March - 1956 (1956-09-09)Original Source: Baileys African History Archive
Walking towards the Prime Minister's office
The Union Buildings housed the office of the Prime Minister.
Women's March - 1956 (1956-09-09) by Drum Social HistoriesOriginal Source: Baileys African History Archive / african.pictures
Marching together
Approaching the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
Women's March - 1956 (1956-09-09) by Drum Social HistoriesOriginal Source: Cedric Nunn / african.pictures
You strike a woman, you strike a rock
Women sing together: Wathint' abafazi, wathint' imbokodo'!
Women's March - 1956 (1956-09-09) by Drum Social HistoriesOriginal Source: Baileys African History Archive / african.pictures
A symbol of the women's struggle
Ever since then 'wathint' abafazi, wathint' imbokodo' (You Strike a Woman, You Strike a Rock) has come to represent the women's struggle in South Africa.
Women's March - 1956 (1956-09-09) by Drum Social HistoriesOriginal Source: Graeme Williams / South Photos / african.pictures
National Women's Day
In commemoration of the march, South Africa has celebrated National Woman's Day on August 9 every year since 1995.
Women's March - 1956 (1956-09-09) by Drum Social HistoriesOriginal Source: Cedric Nunn / african.pictures
50th anniversary
On Woman's Day in 2009 the march was reenacted to celebrate its 50th anniversary. Many of the 1956 veterans were part of the march.
Photographs — Baileys African History Archive
Text — Baileys African History Archive and Africa Media Online
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