ANCWL: Statement by the African National Congress Women’s League on National Women’s Day (07/08/2009)

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Published: 07 Aug 2009

ANCWL: Statement by the African National Congress Women’s League on National Women’s Day (07/08/2009)

On 9 August 1956 twenty thousand (20 000) women of all races marched to the
Union Buildings to hand over a petition to JG Strydom against the Urban
Areas Act which tighten control of the movement of African women in urban
areas by making the carrying of passes compulsory. It was one of the largest
demonstrations staged in the history of South Africa.
In commemoration of that event the ANCWL wishes all women of our country a
Happy Women's Day as we remember the role-played by women in the struggle
for the liberation, and the democratic achievements of the last 15 years.
For this occassion the ANCWL members will dorn their green and black blouse
to honour the 1956 women.
We salute the women of South Africa for courageous struggle in pursuance of
the emancipation of women, equality, democracy and justice. Not only were
women in the forefront, but they also ensured that gender equality occupy
high most priority on the transformation agenda. Today gender equality it is
entrenched in our constitution and statutes.
The ANC Women's League also takes this opportunity to express solidarity
with women in all conflict-ridden regions especially in Palestine. We call
upon all peace-loving people of the world to unite in our call to bring
peace in the Middle East. The ANC WL continues its support to people
affected by wars in Darfur, Somalia, Central Africa Republic, Democratic
Republic of Congo, Saudi Arabia and many other countries affected by war.
We have an experience of how this affects women and children
The National Rally will take place in Vryheid in KwaZulu-Natal at Bhekuzulu
Sports Grounds on Sunday, 09 August 2009. The official programme will start
at 11h00 and the main speaker would be President of the Republic, Mr Jacob
Zuma. The ANCWL President Angie Motshekga will give a message of support.
In a separate event in Kimberly in the Northern Cape Province, the Frances
Baard District Municipality will unveil the statue of Frances Baard, one of
our distiguished political leaders and a trade unionist in Kimberley on the
same day.
'Wathint' abafazi, wathint' imbokodo'