Every year on 9 August, South Africans celebrate Women’s Day, honouring the courage of thousands of women who came together in 1956 to stand against injustice. Their actions gave rise to one of South Africa’s most recognisable phrases:
“Wathint’ Abafazi, Wathint’ Imbokodo.”
Translated from isiXhosa and isiZulu, it means:
“You strike a woman, you strike a rock.”
More than a slogan, these words have become a lasting symbol of resilience, courage, and unwavering conviction. They remind us that true strength is often found in standing firm, remaining united, and refusing to be moved from what is right.
Women’s Day is not simply a celebration of womanhood. It is an opportunity to honour the remarkable role women have played, and continue to play, in shaping families, strengthening communities, leading workplaces, and building a more just South Africa.
The History Behind the Words
On 9 August 1956, more than 20,000 women from different races, cultures, and backgrounds gathered at the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest against the extension of pass laws to Black women under the apartheid government.
The march was organised by Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa, and Sophia Williams-De Bruyn, who believed that every person deserved dignity, justice, and freedom. Together, they led one of the largest and most peaceful demonstrations in South African history.
The women stood silently for thirty minutes before delivering thousands of signed petitions opposing the pass laws. Their peaceful protest demonstrated that disciplined, united action could become a powerful force for change.
It was through this historic march that the words “Wathint’ Abafazi, Wathint’ Imbokodo” became forever associated with the courage and resilience of South African women.
The stories of women such as Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa, Sophia Williams-De Bruyn, Ruth First, and Albertina Sisulu remind us that courage takes many forms. Through leadership, service, advocacy, and perseverance, they showed that ordinary people can shape history when they stand up for what is right.
Why “You Strike a Woman, You Strike a Rock”?
The phrase captures the spirit of the women who marched in 1956. Faced with injustice, they responded not with violence, but with dignity, discipline, and determination.
Over the decades, “You strike a woman, you strike a rock” has come to represent the resilience of women across South Africa. It reminds us that lasting change is often achieved through unity, perseverance, and the courage to remain steadfast in the pursuit of justice.
What Does It Mean for Us Today?
Nearly seventy years later, the Women’s March continues to inspire South Africans of every generation.
Women’s Day is more than a date on the calendar. It is an opportunity to recognise the countless ways women contribute to society every day. From raising families and nurturing communities to leading businesses, educating future generations, serving in healthcare, driving innovation, and advocating for justice, women continue to shape South Africa in meaningful ways.
Being an imbokodo does not mean being fearless or never facing hardship. It means standing firm in your values when life becomes difficult. It means choosing compassion over hatred, courage over fear, and integrity over compromise. It means recognising that peaceful, disciplined action can leave a lasting impact on families, communities, and even nations.
The women of 1956 remind us that ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things when they refuse to give up on what is right. Their legacy continues to inspire us to lead lives marked by courage, compassion, and hope.
Free Women’s Day resource for schools
At Trulife, we believe the story of 1956 is one every young South African should know. It’s not just history, it is a challenge to live with courage, respect, and conviction today.
That’s why we’ve created a free Women’s Day resource for schools, designed for assemblies, Life Orientation lessons, or classroom activities. Inside you’ll find:
- An information sheet and presentation on the history and significance of Women’s Day
- Discussion questions with facilitator notes and suggested answers
- A learner self-reflection worksheet
- Printable posters for your classroom or school
Access the free Women’s Day resource here. No sign-up needed. Simply download, print, and start the conversation.
A Legacy That Lives On
Every Women’s Day, South Africans remember the thousands of women who marched to the Union Buildings in 1956. Their actions changed history, but their message continues to shape the future.
“You strike a woman, you strike a rock” is more than a slogan. It is a call to live with resilience, courage, and purpose. To stand together, treat others with dignity, and remain steadfast in the pursuit of justice, compassion, and hope.
That is the enduring spirit of imbokodo.
