Honouring Women in SA and the Church

Honouring the Courage of Women: Commemorating the 70th Anniversary of the 1956 Women’s March to Pretoria

A Catholic and South African Reflection for National Women’s Day – 9 August 2026

“You have shown your strength among the nations.” (Psalm 98:2)

On 9 August 2026, South Africa celebrates a remarkable milestone: the 70th anniversary of the historic Women’s March to the Union Buildings in Pretoria. On 9 August 1956, more than 20,000 courageous women from every race, language, culture, and faith stood together against the unjust pass laws imposed by the apartheid government. They marched peacefully, carrying petitions and proclaiming with dignity that every human being is created in the image and likeness of God.

Their silent witness echoed throughout history and gave birth to one of the most memorable declarations of courage:

“Wathint’ Abafazi, Wathint’ Imbokodo!”
 “You strike a woman, you strike a rock.”

Seventy years later, their legacy continues to inspire generations not only within South Africa but across the African continent and throughout the world. Their bravery reminds us that justice, peace, equality, and human dignity are worth defending with courage, faith, and perseverance.

As Catholics in Southern Africa, this anniversary also invites us to reflect on the immeasurable contribution that women have made—and continue to make—to the life and mission of the Church.

Women at the Heart of God’s Plan

From the beginning of salvation history, God has entrusted extraordinary responsibilities to women:

Eve became the mother of all humanity.
Sarah became the mother of nations through faith.
Miriam led Israel in praise after liberation.
Deborah judged Israel with wisdom and courage.
Ruth demonstrated unwavering loyalty.
Esther risked her own life to save her people.
Mary, the Mother of Jesus, offered her complete “Yes” to God’s saving plan and became the first disciple of Christ.
Mary Magdalene became the first witness of the Resurrection and announced the Good News to the Apostles.

Throughout Sacred Scripture, women have never been spectators in God’s work. They have been evangelists, mothers, prophets, servants, leaders, intercessors, teachers, and faithful disciples. Their gifts have enriched the People of God in every generation.

Women in the Catholic Church in Southern Africa

The Catholic Church in Southern Africa has been profoundly shaped by the dedication and sacrifices of countless women.

Women have faithfully handed on the faith within families, often becoming the first catechists of their children and grandchildren. They have sustained parishes through prayer groups, choirs, sodalities, youth ministry, charitable outreach, liturgical preparation, and community service. They have cared for the sick, comforted the grieving, educated children, and accompanied those on the margins of society.

Many Religious Sisters have given their lives to Christ through vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Their ministry has transformed communities through schools, hospitals, orphanages, clinics, pastoral work, and missionary outreach. Their witness has reflected Christ’s compassion in both rural villages and bustling cities.

Catholic women have also stood courageously for justice, reconciliation, peace, and human dignity during times of oppression, violence, poverty, and social division. Their quiet acts of service have often gone unnoticed by the world but have never gone unnoticed by God.

As we celebrate this 70th anniversary, the Church is called not merely to thank women with words but to recognise their indispensable contribution through genuine appreciation, active collaboration, and opportunities to exercise their gifts in the service of God’s Kingdom.

The Church’s Call Today

The Church of today cannot flourish without the gifts, wisdom, compassion, leadership, and spiritual strength of women.

Pope Francis has frequently reminded the Church that women enrich ecclesial life in unique and irreplaceable ways. Their gifts of listening, nurturing, discernment, perseverance, and courageous faith strengthen every parish, school, hospital, religious community, and Catholic institution.

Our dioceses and parishes should continue creating environments where women are respected, heard, protected, encouraged, and supported in every legitimate form of ministry and leadership entrusted to the laity.

This is also a call to reject every form of abuse, discrimination, domestic violence, exploitation, human trafficking, gender-based violence, and injustice directed against women and girls. Every woman possesses an inherent dignity because she has been created by God and redeemed by Christ.

The words “You strike a woman, you strike a rock” should inspire us not merely as a slogan but as a commitment to defend the dignity, safety, and flourishing of every woman.

Looking Beyond 2026

The 70th anniversary should not simply be remembered as an historical celebration but embraced as a renewed commitment.

May Catholic families continue raising daughters who know their worth in Christ.
May mothers continue forming homes where faith is lived joyfully.
May Religious Sisters continue inspiring vocations through joyful witness.
May young women discover their gifts and courageously answer God’s call.
May men become faithful partners in promoting justice, respect, protection, and mutual dignity.
May every parish become a place where women are welcomed, appreciated, and empowered to contribute fully according to their gifts and vocations.

The future of both the Church and society depends greatly upon how we honour, protect, and collaborate with women.

A Prayer for Women in Southern Africa

Heavenly Father,

We thank You for the gift of every woman whom You have created in Your image and likeness. We thank You for the brave women who marched to Pretoria seventy years ago, whose courage became a beacon of hope for generations to come. We thank You for mothers, grandmothers, daughters, sisters, wives, Religious Sisters, teachers, healthcare workers, community leaders, and every woman who quietly serves Your people each day.

Lord Jesus Christ, bless every woman with Your peace, strength, wisdom, and joy. Heal those who carry hidden wounds, comfort those who mourn, provide for those facing hardship, strengthen those who are weary, and protect every woman from violence, abuse, injustice, and fear.

Holy Spirit, pour out fresh gifts upon the women of Southern Africa. Fill them with courage like Esther, wisdom like Deborah, faith like Ruth, perseverance like Mary Magdalene, and humble obedience like the Blessed Virgin Mary. May they continue to reflect the beauty of Christ through lives of holiness, compassion, and faithful service.

May our Catholic Church always cherish, honour, and support the dignity and vocation of women. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

A Blessing for National Women’s Day 2026 and Beyond

May Almighty God bless every woman with abundant grace, enduring hope, steadfast faith, and unfailing love.

May the Lord bless your families with unity, your homes with peace, your work with fruitfulness, your ministries with joy, and your hearts with His presence.

May He strengthen your hands for every good work, guide your steps in righteousness, and grant you wisdom for every decision.

May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, accompany you with her loving intercession. And may Almighty God bless all the women of Southern Africa—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—and keep them in His love today, on National Women’s Day, and for generations to come.

Amen.