Today, 9 August 2020, we are celebration National Women’s Day in South Africa. It is interesting that many of us celebrate and commemorate without having a full understanding of exactly what we are celebrating. This brought me to the question “What Is National Women’s Day?” Having noticed that there is also an International Women’s Day, I decided to investigate a little and see what the difference is between the two.
National Women’s Day South Africa
National Women’s Day is a South African public holiday celebrated annually on 9 August. … The first National Women’s Day was celebrated on 9 August 1995. In 2006, a reenactment of the march was staged for its 50th anniversary, with many of the 1956 march veterans.
We can see from Wikipedia share that National Women’s Day in South Africa came about as a result of a march by 20 000 women who were opposing the “pass laws”. The march was lead by The march was led by Lillian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa and Sophia Williams. I am very happy to note that it was not only one race that opposed the “pass laws”, but it’s also important to point this out so that people understand that Apartheid was not supported by all the white people in South Africa at that time. My grandparents left South Africa because they did not agree with the Apartheid system.
Back to National Women’s Day 2020. This is an interesting time to be celebrating anything, we are still living in Level 3 Lockdown and social distancing is very real. We are to wear masks, keep a physical distance from each other, though we can meet at restaurants for a meal, we cannot celebrate with any alcohol. The restrictions on alcohol are very stringent, there is no alcohol for sale anywhere, not for on or off-site consumption. I am a very occasional social drinker so this has not impacted me, I do feel for those who would prefer to be toasting with some bubbly today.
Back to National Women’s Day (there is so much happening in our world right now, it’s tricky to stay focused – are you having the same challenge with this as me?). Today is the day that women in South Africa are celebrated for their contribution to changing South Africa from Apartheid to the democracy we have now. Women were incredible in bringing about change in this country and the expression “When you strike the woman, you strike a rock” is well-known here. (Wathint’ abafazi, wathint’ imbokodo!)
International Women’s Day
The 8th of March is the date for International Women’s Day to be celebrated and according to Wikipedia, is a “focal point at the moment for women’s rights” and this dates back to the early nineteen hundreds.
As you can see below, International Women’s Day stems from America, Russia and the United Nations took it on too.
It is interesting to see that International Women’s Day is acknowledged (or not) and celebrated differently in different parts of the world. For some it is a day of commemoration, others it is a day of protest and then you have celebrations of womanhood and feminine beauty.
Actually, the origins of International Women’s Day are not straightforward and definitely worth reading all about, you can access the full history (according to Wikipedia) by clicking on the image below. I could regurgitate everything that is on that link but would be treading into the dangerous territory of plagiarism, not something I am keen to do.
The Reason’s For Women’s Days
As can be seen, women have played a significant role in the history of the world, not just one country but many continents! How exciting is it to see how our lives have been shaped by the actions of women.
Don’t get me wrong, I am not a women’s libber, I am a Christ-follower before anything else, but it does interest me to see how things have unfolded to bring us to where we are now.
Beautiful Quotes For Women’s Day
I recently wrote a blog Inspirational Quotes For Life which will reveal that I am very fond of quotes. So today, on this South African National Women’s Day, I would love to share some of my favourites with you.
I will start off with my Facebook share for today.
This quote is taken from Winnie The Pooh, so it is not gender-specific, however, I chose it for National Women’s Day in South Africa today because we have very big challenges with gender-based violence. This message appeals so strongly to me because it speaks to bravery, strength, intelligence and beauty. Women who have been oppressed (and I do not include myself in the category) need to be reminded that they have all of these wonderful attributes.
Here are a few more of my favourite quotes for your reading pleasure:
- Here’s to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.
- Every man needs a woman when his life is a mess, because like the game of chess – the queen protects the king.
- Where there is a woman, there is magic. Ntozake Shange
- A woman is like a tea bag, you never know how strong she is until she gets into hot water. Eleanor Rooseveldt
- Every womans’ success should be an inspiration to another. We’re strongest when we cheer each other on. Serena Williams
- Do not live someone else’s idea of womanhood. Womanhood is you. Viola Davis
- Straighten another woman’s crown without telling the world it was crooked. Unknown
Thank you for visiting my site today, I hope that what I have shared with you has contributed to you in some way.
I would love to hear from you too, please pop me a message in the comment section below.
Blessings as always
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