Parliament, Wednesday, 5 August 2026 – Parliament will next week convene the National Women’s Parliament in Kimberley in the Northern Cape to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the historic 1956 Women’s March.
Held under the theme, "Wathint’ Abafazi, Wathint’ Imbokodo: 70 Years of Resistance, 72 Years of Vision – Advancing Gender Justice, Equality and Resilient Economies for All," the two-day programme will honour the courage of the more than 20,000 women who marched to the Union Buildings in 1956 to protest against unjust pass laws. Their message of courage and resilience continues to inspire South Africa's pursuit of gender equality.
The Women’s Parliament will provide a platform for women from diverse sectors and communities to reflect on the country's progress in advancing the rights of women and to identify the work that still needs to be done. Discussions will examine how far South Africa has come in realising the aspirations contained in the Women's Charters of 1954, 1994 and 2021, while considering how these commitments align with the National Development Plan 2030 and the African Union's Agenda 2063.
Participants will also assess the impact of government policies and programmes on the lives of women and explore practical solutions to the challenges that continue to affect women across the country. The programme will also consider how Parliament can strengthen oversight, accountability and the monitoring of resolutions adopted by the Women's Parliament to ensure they lead to tangible improvements in the lives of women.
DETAILS OF THE WOMEN’S PARLIAMENT
Date: 13 - 14 August 2026
Time: 10:00
Venue: Kimberley, Sol Plaatjie University Great Hall
MEDIA ACCREDITATION:
Members of the media who wish to cover the event are requested to apply for accreditation by sending an email with their full names, ID number and Media House to mntsodo@parliament.gov.za or contact 081 716 2021.
ISSUED BY PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
Enquiries: Moloto Mothapo, Parliament Spokesperson
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