President Cyril Ramaphosa says the upcoming National Dialogue must serve as a platform where women can speak up and shape South Africa’s future. Set to begin on 15 August, the first National Convention will gather over 200 organisations from 33 sectors to launch the dialogue process. Ramaphosa emphasised that women’s struggles differ, and their representation should reflect diversity across age, location, culture, language, and social identity.
Highlighting South Africa’s history, Ramaphosa noted that women have always been at the forefront of major movements — from protests against apartheid pass laws to modern campaigns against gender-based violence. He stressed that women, who make up more than half of the population, are directly impacted by every political, social, and economic challenge, often more severely than men.
The president urged communities, women’s groups, and organisations to unite for equal participation in the dialogue. Ensuring the inclusion of all women, including those with disabilities and LGBTQI+ individuals, would be the most powerful tribute to the pioneers of the 1956 Women’s March.
Ramaphosa has called on all sectors of society to come together to ensure the full participation of all women in the National Dialogue.
“This would be the most fitting and powerful tribute to the legacy of the pioneers of 1956,” Ramaphosa said.
On 9 August each year, the country celebrates Women’s Day, commemorating the 1956 Women’s March on the Union Buildings.
The march was a political protest against the apartheid-era pass laws, but it was also a powerful assertion of women’s agency.
