2006 has been declared the "Year of the Women in South Africa" to mark the 50th anniversary of the womens' march to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956. Women contributed a great deal and made unprecedented sacrifices as their contribution to defeat their oppression.

CAMPAIGN OBJECTIVES

The main objectives of the campaign are to:

• celebrate and honour the icons of the liberation struggle
• acknowledge contributions made by women towards the achievement of democracy in SA
• raise awareness that women should be treated fairly and should be embraced as an integral part of our political and economic activities
• emphasise that the upliftment and empowerment of women is fundamental in strengthening our democracy
• mobilise women towards a social movement that will transcend all boundaries and make a difference to the lives of women worldwide.

Events commemorating Year of the Women in South Africa will be taking place throughout the year.

HISTORICAL OVERVIEW

Also, get background details on the women's march to the Union Buildings in Pretoria (9 August 1956).

LAUNCH

The launch of this campaign took place on International Women's Day, 8 March 2006 in the Western Cape and was organised by the national Department of Arts and Culture, the Western Cape Office of the Premier, the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Department of Education, the Gender Desk and the Youth Commission.

Get more information on the following launch activities:

• The International Women's Day Breakfast (8 March 2006)
• The Unveiling of a Commemmorative Tapestry at Parliament (8 March 2006)
• The Debate on International Women's Day held in the National Assembly (8 March 2006)
• Community Event (8 March 2006)

CONTACT DETAILS

For more details about events relating to the "Year of the Women in South Africa" please contact:

Dr Nomso Mgijima
National Co-ordinator
Department of Arts and Culture
Tel: 012 441 3009
nomso.mgijima@dac.gov.za

• Departement van Kultuursake en Sport (Wes-Kaapse Provinsiale Regering)
• Departement van Kuns en Kultuur (Die Regering van Suid-Afrika)