Sunday, 09 August 2026
Each year, South Africa commemorates National Women’s Day by honouring the courage of more than 20,000 women who marched to the Union Buildings in 1956 in pursuit of equality, justice and dignity. Seventy years later, their legacy continues to remind us that meaningful progress is achieved when we create opportunities that enable women to participate fully in shaping our country’s future. This year’s National Women’s Day theme, “Empowered Women, Empower Nations,” is more than a commemorative slogan. It is a call to action. It challenges every sector of society, government, business, civil society and communities, to ensure that women have equitable access to education, skills development, employment and leadership opportunities.
South Africa has made important strides towards gender equality. More women are pursuing higher education, entering the labour market, leading businesses, serving in public office and driving innovation across critical sectors of our economy. These achievements demonstrate what is possible when barriers are removed and opportunities are created.
Yet our work is far from complete.
A considerable number of women, particularly those residing in rural and underserved communities, continue to face barriers that hinder their full economic engagement. The persistent disparities in access to quality education, technical training, employment prospects, and safe working conditions hinder many women from achieving their full potential. Challenges such as gender-based violence, discrimination, and economic marginalisation remain pressing issues that necessitate a unified national response.
At the Aurelian Beneficial Trust (ABT), our conviction is that empowering women begins with broadening access to opportunities. Education and skills development are among the most effective instruments for breaking the cycle of poverty, fostering economic inclusion, and establishing sustainable livelihoods. When women are equipped with the knowledge, technical skills, and confidence to participate actively and meaningfully in the economy, families prosper, communities strengthen their resilience, and the nation as a whole benefits.
Our work is therefore centred on creating pathways to opportunity through education, technical and vocational skills development, industry partnerships and workplace learning. By collaborating with government, educational institutions, industry, and community leaders, we strive to ensure that young people, particularly those from underserved communities, are equipped with the skills needed to meet the demands of a rapidly changing economy. For many young women, access to education is about more than obtaining a qualification. It is about gaining independence, securing meaningful employment, supporting families and becoming leaders who inspire future generations. Every bursary awarded, every skills programme delivered and every workplace opportunity created represents an investment in South Africa’s future.
As we reflect on this year’s theme, “we are reminded that empowering women is not the responsibility of women alone. It requires partnerships that remove barriers, create opportunities and build environments where talent can flourish regardless of gender or circumstance.
The women of 1956 demonstrated remarkable courage in their march, driven by the conviction that subsequent generations merit a more equitable South Africa. It is our obligation today to honour this legacy through concrete actions. We are required to continue investing in education, expanding access to skills development, and fostering inclusive opportunities that empower every woman to attain her full potential.
At Aurelian Beneficial Trust, we reaffirm our dedication to collaborating with our partners to cultivate a South Africa in which opportunities are accessible, talent is nurtured, and every woman is given the chance not only to succeed but also to take on leadership roles. Empowering women leads to community prosperity, which in turn contributes to national development.