Have you ever heard of National Women’s Day? This South African holiday, celebrated every August 9th, honors a group of brave and bold South African women who stood strong in the face of oppression. Perhaps you’ve been struggling to keep your head above water while managing an unexpected pregnancy. Your circumstances are probably quite different than those of the South African women we’ll be recognizing in this blog. However, you’re likely facing overwhelming odds- just like them.
Avenue Women’s Center exists to support and empower individuals who find themselves in situations similar to yours. We’re a first-step pregnancy clinic that provides free and confidential services, with the goal of helping you take informed next steps in your journey. We offer no-cost pregnancy tests, options consultations, limited medical ultrasounds, and more.
Discover what we’re about at Avenue and contact us today! We’ve been serving individuals from Chicagoland, Illinois and beyond since 1981, and we’re in your corner too.
The History Behind the Holiday
National Women’s Day commemorates a 1956 march of about 20,000 South African women, who boldly protested against “pass laws.” These were regulations that “reinforced racial segregation” in South Africa by restricting black South Africans’ freedom to travel throughout the country (EBSCO). The leaders of the march presented the South African government with petitions signed by thousands demanding that the pass laws be dismantled. These petitions were largely disregarded. However, the demonstration that occurred on August 9th came to be recognized as a symbol of women’s empowerment. In 1994, the oppressive apartheid system was ended, and National Women’s Day became a public holiday. Modern-day South Africans continue to honor the women who participated in the protest on August 9th, 1956, while highlighting current issues faced by South African women, such as gender-based violence (EBSCO).
Key Takeaways
Maybe you’re wondering, “How does this relate to my unexpected pregnancy situation?” Although the women highlighted in this blog lived in a different time and faced different obstacles, their stories may parallel yours in a number of ways. They too coped with anxiety and uncertainty that must have felt overwhelming. Sadly, some individuals who experience an unexpected pregnancy also experience various forms of oppression. Whatever path your own journey has taken, you can probably resonate with several key principles behind the story of National Women’s Day. Perhaps some of those principles could help you engage in your decision-making process with greater confidence. Here are just a few of the powerful qualities that were demonstrated by the brave women of South Africa on August 9th, 1956:
- Refusal to give in to pressure, despite the risks
- Unwavering commitment to firmly-held values and beliefs
- Courage to face oppression and challenge those in positions of power
- Willingness to speak up and self-advocate
At Avenue Women’s Center, we believe that every woman is capable of embracing each of these qualities, however difficult her circumstances may be. Our mission is to equip every person who walks through our doors with the reliable information and support she needs to feel empowered in her own decision-making process. If you need a listening ear, accurate options information, and space to process, consider reaching out to us today. We promise you’ll be met with warmth and empathy- never judgment.
Call, text, chat, or email to speak with one of our expert staff!
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Reference:
EBSCO. (2023). National Women’s Day (South Africa). Retrieved from: https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/womens-studies-and-feminism/national-womens-day-south-africa
The information provided here is general in nature. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a medical professional. Before any medical procedure, it is imperative that you discuss your personal medical history, risks, and concerns with your doctor. If you have questions during or after a procedure, your doctor should be immediately contacted. Avenue Women’s Center is not an emergency center. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as bleeding and/or pain, seek immediate medical attention. Contact your physician, go to an emergency room, or call 911.