Celebrate National Women's Day in Joburg

South Africa's Women’s Day public holiday, celebrated annually on Aug 9, commemorates the 1956 march by more than 50,000 women in protest against passbook laws. Led by anti-apartheid struggle icons Lilian Ngoyi, Sophia Theresa Williams-de Bruyn, Helen Joseph, and Rahima Moosa, the women marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria. In addition to the public holiday, the entire month of August is celebrated as Women's Month in South Africa.

Anti-apartheid struggle icons, (from left to right) Rahima Moosa, Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph and Sophia Theresa Williams-de Bruyn outside of the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Aug 9, 1956. Photo: South African History Online.

When marking Women's Day, activities range from the historically important to the light-hearted and fun. In our guide, we endeavour to strike a sensitive balance that honours the significance of this occasion and also recognises that freedom is freedom – and should be celebrated without judgement. So, from activism to spoils, if you are wondering how to make the most of Women's Day in Joburg, here are some ideas.

Sat, Aug 9 – Celebrate womanhood with powerhouse performances at R&B singer Shekhinah’s Rosefest 2025 at the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden.

Sat, Aug 9 – Light up your Women’s Day with Scent Bucket’s Candle Making Workshop – hand-pour your own scented soy candle, unwind, and glow alongside amazing women at Artwave at 44 Stanley.

Sat, Aug 9 – Walk in the footsteps of South Africa’s fearless heroines with free Women’s Day tours at Constitution Hill. A powerful journey through stories of justice, resistance, and radical courage.

Sat, Aug 9 – Saddle up in pink or purple for the Women’s Day Ride with Girls On Bikes at 44 Stanley – featuring scenic climbs and goodie bags.

Sat, Aug 9 – Celebrate Women’s Day at the Women of Substance: Gratitude is Served exhibition preview at Ellis House, with a brunch, talks, and an art-filled tribute to the women who hold us together.

Sat, Aug 9 – Claim your space and celebrate Women’s Day with Of Course, You Can Sit With Us! – a morning of self-defence, sound baths, mimosas, and connection hosted by Well Well Wellness Club at The Wild Side, Craighall Park.

Sat, Aug 9 – Climb aboard for tales of Joburg’s boldest women – from society queens with zebra carriages to pass law protestors on the Politicians, Party-girls and Pioneers bus tour with the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation, starting at Holy Family College.

Sat, Aug 9 – It’s a sound system built for the honeys at Every Day is Women’s Day, the official Rose Fest after party hosted by P_ssy Party in collaboration with Ponahalo and Nkuley Masemola at Club A.M. in Newtown.

Sun, Aug 10 – Sip, learn, and play at Chess Sippin’: Pawns to Queens, a Women’s Month fundraiser by Chess Kidding empowering 3,000 girls with the game of chess.

The rest of August

Powerful voices in the Tribute to Women concert. Photo: Ally Benaire for Tribute to Women via Facebook.

Fri, Aug 22 – Sat, Sep 27 – The Cirk returns with La Bella – I am Woman for Women's Month with dazzling dance and aerial feats, celebrating the power, beauty, and resilience of women at Cresta.

Sun, Aug 24 – Pack your picnic blankets and bring the whole family to Tribute to Women 2025 concert at Marks Park, Emmarentia – a day of music, food, and fierce female voices celebrating women’s month in style.