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Honouring 70 Years of Women’s Leadership

Keegan Frank
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March 18th, 2026

Seventy years ago, thousands of women stood together in one of the most defining protests in South Africa’s history, the 1956 Women’s March. On 9 August 1956, more than 20 000 women marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest apartheid pass laws imposed on black women. Led by activists including Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa and Sophia Williams-De Bruyn, the march became a powerful symbol of courage, unity and resistance.

Seventy years later, that legacy continues to inspire women across South Africa and the African continent.

Women shaping Africa today

Across Africa, women are leading change in business, government, technology, sport and creative industries. They are building companies, influencing policy and driving innovation that strengthens economies and communities. Their leadership reflects a powerful evolution, from fighting for equality to actively shaping Africa’s future. Some key speakers to look out for include Miss Universe South Africa 2025 Melissa Nayimuli, South African Olympic ski racer Lara Markthaler, Managing Director of Black Like Me, Connie Mashaba and Founder of the Falling Forward initiative and women’s rights advocate Rachel Kolisi.

Celebrating influential women and bringing them together

On 18 March 2026, leaders and changemakers will gather at the Forbes Woman Africa Leading Women Summit 2026 to continue this important conversation. The summit brings together influential women from across the continent and around the world to share ideas, exchange insights and celebrate the leaders driving progress today.

Hosted at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, the summit reflects South Africa’s role as a platform for influential dialogue and collaboration. As a proud partner, Brand South Africa continues to support initiatives that amplify women’s leadership while celebrating the country’s values of diversity, innovation and freedom of expression.

As the continent reflects on the legacy of the 1956 march, platforms like the summit remind us that the journey of women’s leadership is still unfolding, and African women remain at the forefront of shaping the future.