Celebrating the legacy of Women's Month

The Rock and the March: How 'Wathint' abafazi, Wathint' imbokodo' Forged a Nation's Future​

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On August 9, 1956, a powerful force of over 20,000 women—black, white, Indian, and ‘coloured’—marched in unison to the Union Buildings in Pretoria.1 They were not an army in uniform, but an army of mothers, sisters, and daughters, united by a single, unwavering purpose: to protest the apartheid regime’s pass laws.2 Their collective voice, echoing a powerful protest song, gave birth to a slogan that would forever be etched in South African history:‘Wathint’ abafazi, Wathint’ imbokodo’—’You strike a woman, you strike a rock.’3

This phrase, more than just a chant, became a prophecy. It foretold the unyielding strength and resilience of South African women.4 Today, as we celebrate Women’s Month, we delve into the heart of that historic day to understand its profound significance and how the spirit ofimbokodo continues to resonate, inspiring generations to come.

The March to Freedom:

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The pass laws were a cornerstone of apartheid, designed to control and restrict the movement of black South Africans.5 For women, these laws were a direct assault on their dignity and family life, threatening to tear families apart and confine them to ‘reserves.’ When the government planned to extend these oppressive laws to women, the women of South Africa refused to be silent.6

Led by iconic figures like Lillian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa, and Sophie de Bruyn, women from all walks of life mobilized.7 They collected over 100,000 signatures on a petition, which they planned to deliver directly to Prime Minister J.G. Strijdom.

On that pivotal day, they marched in silence, their footsteps a powerful testament to their resolve. As they filled the amphitheatre of the Union Buildings, they stood in respectful silence for 30 minutes, a silent yet deafening roar of defiance. The petition was delivered, and though the Prime Minister was not present to receive it, their message was clear: they would not be moved.

'You Strike a Woman, You Strike a Rock': More Than a Slogan​

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The phrase‘Wathint’ abafazi, Wathint’ imbokodo’ originated from a protest song composed for the march.8 Its genius lies in its simple yet profound metaphor. A rock, orimbokodo, is not just hard; it is unmovable, a solid foundation. The women were declaring that their strength was not fragile or fleeting, but an intrinsic, enduring force.9 By striking them with unjust laws, the government was not striking a yielding flower, but a bedrock of the nation.

This slogan became a rallying cry, a symbol of women’s courage, strength, and unwavering commitment to freedom and justice.10 It transcended the 1956 march, becoming a symbol of resistance for all who fought against apartheid.11

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The Echoes of Imbokodo Today:

The legacy of the 1956 Women’s March is not confined to the history books. It is alive and well in the women who are shaping South Africa’s future today. The spirit ofimbokodo can be seen in:

  • Women in Leadership: From politics to corporate boardrooms, women are breaking barriers and taking their rightful place at the forefront of decision-making. They are the rocks providing stability and new perspectives.
  • Female Entrepreneurs: Women who start businesses, often against great odds, are building communities and creating economic opportunities. They are the rocks providing a foundation for growth.
  • Activists and Advocates: Whether fighting for gender-based violence awareness, environmental justice, or social equality, women continue to be at the forefront of social change. They are the rocks challenging the status quo.
  • Everyday Heroes: The mothers who raise their children with strong values, the teachers who inspire the next generation, the doctors and nurses who save lives—these are the modern-dayimbokodo who hold the fabric of our society together.

Conclusion:

Women’s Month is more than a celebration; it is a time for reflection and renewed purpose. The bravery of the 1956 marchers reminds us that progress is not given, but earned through courage, unity, and an unshakeable belief in a just future.

The slogan‘Wathint’ abafazi, Wathint’ imbokodo’ is a powerful testament to the fact that when women are united, they are an unstoppable force.12 It is a reminder that we are all, in our ways, a part of that rock—strong, resilient, and essential to the foundation of a free and equal South Africa. Let us carry this legacy forward, honoring their story as we build our future.