9 August 1956: The Women's Anti-Pass March
You strike a woman, you strike a rock
"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 Histories Original 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 Histories Original 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 Histories Original 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 Histories Original 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 Histories Original 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 Histories Original 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 Histories Original 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 ArchiveText — Baileys African History Archive and Africa Media Online
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