History and Origin

The observance began in 1981, when the United Nations formally acknowledged the crucial role women played in liberation efforts. This came after decades of resistance by women who organized, protested, and led with courage despite extreme repression. The day was designed to show international support and give institutional recognition to a grassroots movement that had existed long before the formal observance. It linked political struggle to gender resistance, something many global commemorations still overlook.

One historical turning point was the 1956 Women’s March in Pretoria, where thousands of South African women demonstrated against apartheid pass laws. This protest marked a new era of organized, female-led resistance and influenced future activism in both countries. In Namibia, women fought against forced labor and played key roles in the country’s independence movement. Their labor, leadership, and sacrifice laid the foundation for what would later be recognized through this international observance.

Over the years, the day has grown beyond its United Nations origins. Local organizations, diaspora communities, and global feminist networks now shape its interpretation and programming. The focus has shifted to contemporary challenges like land rights, violence, and political access. At the same time, the remembrance of past leaders remains essential. The combination of memory and action keeps the day rooted in real struggles.

Who participates in International Day of Solidarity with the Struggle of Women of South Africa and Namibia?

• Feminist collectives: These groups use the day to amplify African women’s political leadership and historical resistance.
• Schools and universities: Educational institutions run programs that focus on liberation history and the role of gender in protest movements.
• Artists and cultural workers: Creative practitioners contribute with theater, music, and visual art that reflects resistance legacies.
• Human rights groups: Organizations publish new data or calls to action related to violence against women and systemic inequality.
• Diaspora communities: People with South African or Namibian heritage organize events in other countries to build cross-border solidarity.

Slogans and Themes

Each year brings new themes depending on the local and international context. Messages often highlight political access, social transformation, and remembrance. Slogans like “No freedom without women” or “Our struggle is not over” are common. These statements underline the unfinished nature of the fight for equality. Campaigns also challenge the erasure of women from history books and political narratives. By doing so, they shift the public lens from token celebration to continued accountability.

Colors, Symbols and Patterns

Colors

• Red: Represents courage, sacrifice, and ongoing resistance.
• Yellow: Symbolizes possibility, power, and community resilience.
• Green: Stands for growth, land justice, and independence.

Symbols

• Raised fist: A gesture of collective strength and defiance.
• Headscarf: Worn by protestors as a symbol of both culture and resistance.
• Drum: Signifies the role of rhythm, call, and community in mobilization.

Patterns

• Footprints: Used in visuals to represent legacy and direction.
• Geometric fabric: Common in memorial clothing and banners.
• Repeated names: Lists of women freedom fighters printed or projected to honor their contributions.

Most used hashtags

• #SolidarityWithWomen
• #August9
• #SouthAfricaWomen
• #NamibiaWomen
• #FreedomFighters

How do you celebrate International Day of Solidarity with the Struggle of Women of South Africa and Namibia?

• Attend a memorial or talk: Join public events that focus on the political history and present needs of women in South Africa and Namibia.
• Watch historical documentaries: Use film to learn more about the women’s movements in the apartheid and colonial periods.
• Share archival stories: Post about lesser-known women leaders who shaped liberation struggles.
• Organize a reading circle: Read memoirs or biographies of political activists and discuss them in a group setting.
• Support activist networks: Donate to or amplify campaigns that push for systemic change in the region.

Why is International Day of Solidarity with the Struggle of Women of South Africa and Namibia important?

This day ensures that African women’s leadership is never treated as an afterthought. It reminds the world that their resistance was not symbolic but strategic, often laying the groundwork for national liberation. By honoring their roles, the observance repairs historical omission and sets a clearer standard for gender-aware justice work today. This includes support for their economic, social, and political demands, many of which remain unmet.

It also challenges outsiders to engage more responsibly. Rather than framing women as victims, the day insists on seeing them as agents of change. That shift in perspective reshapes both policy and solidarity. It teaches that standing with others requires humility, consistency, and a clear understanding of historical context. The women honored on this day fought for more than survival. They fought for futures still worth defending.