Every year on 09 August, we pause to honour the remarkable women of 1956, whose courage and resilience became a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change in South Africa’s journey toward freedom and equality. These women stood firmly against oppression, united by the belief that their voices mattered and that their actions could reshape the future.

At UP RAG, we celebrate not only these historic heroines but also the women of today who continue to lead, inspire, and break barriers in every sphere of life. From student leaders and community advocates to innovators and caretakers, women embody strength in its most powerful and diverse forms.

Makgoshi Mariri, our Vice-Chairperson and Media, Marketing & Communications, reflects on this legacy:
"As I honour the women of '56 whose bravery gave us the freedom to dream, I am reminded of Zozibini's answer at Miss Universe: 'I think the most important thing we should be teaching young girls today is leadership...nothing is as important as taking up space and cementing yourself." May this serve as a call to take up space, speak truth, and lead with purpose.

These words remind us that the journey started decades ago is far from over. Every woman today carries forward the torch of leadership, standing tall in rooms where decisions are made, challenging norms, and inspiring the next generation to do the same.

On this National Women’s Day, UP RAG salutes the women who have paved the way and those who continue to rise. We celebrate your strength, your voices, and your unwavering commitment to shaping a better tomorrow for all.

Let us honour the past by embracing the future with courage, purpose, and the fierce determination to lead.