August is a wonderful month! Not just because we’re slowly edging closer to the end of the year holidays, but because it’s women’s month and we have so much to celebrate! As South African women, we have a huge amount to be proud of and simply can’t get away with not celebrating.

But how many of us actually know what we’re celebrating this women’s month?

Why do we celebrate National Women’s Day in South Africa?

National Women’s Day is celebrated on the 9th of August every year, to commemorate the 1956 women’s march. About 20 000 women marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest the pass laws that were valid for people of colour in the country.

Women’s Day in South Africa is significant because it recognises the struggles that African women face on a daily basis. Being a single parent, domestic violence, sexual harassment in the workplace, unequal pay, and poor schooling for girls are all challenges that women in South Africa face.

How is National Women’s Day Celebrated

National Women’s Day and women’s month are celebrated differently every year, but one thing is for sure – we can’t let this month pass us by without giving ourselves a pat on the back and sipping on a glass of bubbly for being the boss-ass women we are!

So, to celebrate, here are a few of the best women’s month events taking place in August!

South African Women’s Day Events – Cape Town

Local is lekker, so if you’re staying home in the wonderful mother city this August, here are just a few of the National Women’s Day events taking place!

Women’s Day High Tea

Spend the day dining in luxury at the incredible 12 Apostles Hotel as they celebrate women. Expect to be dining on delicious pastries, cakes, chocolates and more, while sipping on a gorgeous glass of bubbly!

There are a few hampers and other prizes up for grabs throughout the day, which makes the event all the more exciting!

• Cost: R325 pp
• When: 9th of August at 10 am, 12.30 pm and 3 pm

Note that booking in advance is required, so visit their website to book a table for their wonderful women’s only high tea!

Totalsports Women’s Race

Totalsports has chosen to celebrate women and all that they’re capable of in a slightly more unique way this year! They’re hosting a women’s race to raise awareness for breast cancer.

Whether you’re a competitive runner, or you’d prefer to walk to show support for all the women who’ve been affected by the disease, there’s a spot for you in this wonderful race!

Thousands of women will be gathering for this event in association with the PinkDrive to raise funds for breast cancer services available to the women of South Africa.

• Cost: R100 – R130
• When: 9th of August

Empower Me Women’s Day Lunch

Celebrating modern South African females at Shimmy Beach Club sounds like a real jol to me! You’ll spend the afternoon listening to inspiring women speak about personal branding, financing for females, and how to look BOLD in your everyday life!

You’ll enjoy a two-course meal, complimentary drinks, live entertainment, and stand a chance to win a variety of awesome prizes! You’ll also get free entrance to the official Women’s Day South Africa after-party.

• Cost: R550 pp
• When: 9th of August 12 pm – 3 pm

Women’s Day Charity Luncheon

If you feel like celebrating women just isn’t enough, then giving back in style just might be for you. Join Eagles Nest Ministries in a giving back initiative that not only helps those in need, but also provides you with plenty of entertainment for the day.

You’ll spend a few hours at the Father’s House Christian Fellowship Church listening to interesting speakers and mingling with like-minded women. You’ll also get the chance to indulge in a delicious 3-course meal, get a goodie bag as well as be thoroughly entertained the whole afternoon!

• Cost:
  • Early Bird – R150 pp
  • General Admission – R170 pp
  • Table Seating – R1500 (for 10 people)
• When: 9th of August from 11.30 am

Women’s Day Spa Treatment

There’s no better way to celebrate Women’s Day than with the wonderful women in your life! Spend the day getting pampered at Lanzerac Hotel and Spa. You can start the day off with a yoga session on the front lawns of the manor, before tucking into a bottomless brunch in the manor kitchen.

Then, indulge in a luxurious and rejuvenating women’s day package that consists of a salt scrub, an Elemis hot stone back massage, a body cream application and a welcome drink upon arrival. How could your day get any better?!

• Cost:
  • Yoga – R140 pp
  • Bottomless Brunch – R350
  • Women’s Day Spa Package – R1180

• When: 9th of August 9 am to 1 pm

National Women’s Day South Africa Events – Johannesburg

Many of us South African women travel for work, but that doesn’t mean we should miss out on the chance to celebrate this women’s day! After taking a quick flight to Joburg we can continue the celebrations Jozi style.

Secret Sunrise – The Four Seasons

Boogie your way into the morning while watching the sunrise at the Four Seasons Hotel before indulging in an absolutely delicious breakfast.

If you’re wondering what to expect from a morning dance party, think silent disco. Everyone is given headsets and there will be instructors guiding you through the morning dance routine.

• Cost: R275
• When: 9th of August, 9 am to 11 am

Gin and Roses

If you’re a gin-aholic, this is the perfect way to celebrate the women in your life. The Thaba Eco Hotel and Spa is hosting a Gin and Roses event that gives you a chance to indulge in your favourite drink and enjoy a selection of absolutely delicious tapas!

• Cost: Cost varies
• When: 9th of August, 1 pm – 11 pm

Wrapping up South African Women’s Day

If you’d like to keep your Women’s Day low-key this year, there are a bunch of other things to do in Cape Town. You don’t have to celebrate with an event or party, but be sure to take your girls, or the women in your life, out for the day to celebrate in your own way!

After all, what would we do without the strong, resilient and powerful South African women on our side?