This year marked the 69 anniversary
of the historic 1956 Women’s March, a watershed moment in South Africa’s
history. On 9 August 1956, more than 20,000 women, fondly remembered as
Imbokodo, gathered at the Union Buildings in Pretoria to take a stand against
unjust and oppressive pass laws. Led by four fearless activists, Mama Helen
Joseph, Mama Lilian Ngoyi, Mama Albertina Sisulu, and Mama Sophia Williams-De
Bruyn, these women were joined by our mothers, grandmothers, sisters, daughters
and aunts. Together, they made their voices heard against discriminatory and
controlling laws, symbolising unity, courage, and resilience.
The march, organised by the Federation of
South African Women (FEDSAW), saw women of all races unite in solidarity
against apartheid laws. It remains one of the most powerful demonstrations in
the country’s history. In recognition of this legacy, South Africa declared the
month of August as Women’s Month and 9 August as Women’s Day, to continuously
honour the bravery of the heroines who stood for freedom of movement, equality,
and empowerment.
Nearly seven decades later, the spirit of the
1956 march continues to inspire progress. Today, women are recognised as
leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and agents of change in communities
across the nation. Their contributions are central to building a more inclusive
and resilient society. The 2025 Women’s Day theme, “Building Resilient
Economies for All”, underscores the importance of ensuring that women
participate fairly and meaningfully in the economy, in leadership, and in
broader society.
The Gauteng Department of Community Safety
proudly honoured Women’s Month through a series of programmes that highlighted
women’s contributions in law enforcement, safety, and community development,
this is just to mention a few:

 
On 4 August in Tembisa, the Eastern Corridor Traffic Directorate
     hosted a Women’s Day Celebration to uplift and motivate Gauteng Traffic
     Wardens deployed at Norkem Park and Olifantsfontein. Themed “Empowering
     Progress: Innovation, Inclusion and Women’s Month Inspiration”, the
     event encouraged women to remain resilient and committed to building a
     safer Gauteng.
 
On 9 August, the Department held an Empowerment Session for Women
     at Memorial Centre Jabulani, aimed at educating women about gender-based
     violence and femicide (GBVF), one of the most pressing issues affecting
     communities today.
 
On the same day, Premier Panyaza Lesufi led a historic march with
     women in law enforcement from Tshwane House to the Union Buildings, paying
     tribute to the heroines of 1956 while also recommitting to the safety and
     empowerment of women and children. Addressing the gathering, the Premier
     emphasised the government’s commitment to women-owned businesses, stating:
     “I am proud to lead a government that has taken a very important and
     strong position, in our R170 billion budget, one-third must go to
     women-owned businesses.”
 
On 15 August, the Department hosted the Women Economic Empowerment
     Workshop in the Northern Corridor. The programme equipped 100 women with
     knowledge and tools to become financially independent and economically
     active, a step towards closing the gender gap in economic participation.
 
Closing the month, on 30 August, the Department led the Procession
     Against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide in Orange Farm (Southern
     Corridor). The event aimed to mobilise communities to play an active role
     in the fight against GBVF and crime, reinforcing the importance of
     collective action.
Through these engagements, the Department of
Community Safety not only celebrated women internally and externally but also
demonstrated a strong commitment to empowering women within the safety sector
and beyond. These activities highlighted the importance of recognising women’s
resilience, their leadership in communities, and their critical role in
building safer and more inclusive societies.
As Women’s Month draws to a close, we are
reminded that the legacy of the 1956 heroines lives on. Their bravery laid the
foundation for today’s women to pursue their dreams and achieve their goals.
All Women in Safety, and women across South Africa are encouraged to continue
empowering themselves, growing in leadership, and striving for excellence.
The rocks of 1956, the Imbokodo, paved the
way. It is now upon today’s women to build on that legacy, ensuring that the
vision of a fair, equal and resilient economy becomes a reality for all.