Women’s Day 2011

An overview of events happening on the 9th August for National Women’s Day

Fifty-five years ago South African women formed a Women’s League and took a stand against the pass laws that would have required them to buy a permit each month. Over 20 000 women marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria: now that’s what we call girl power.

We’ve come a long way since then and Tuesday 9th of August is a time to pay tribute to the fairer sex and celebrate all that they have accomplished, and since it’s a public holiday, you may as well have some fun while you’re at it. Here‘s a selection of events and activities happening in Cape Town and surrounds, so you won’t be stuck looking for things to do.

1. Find your inspiration Women’s Day show
Spend the day at the Old Mutual Business School in Pinelands listening to motivational speakers like Wendy Ackerman and Lynne Brown. There’ll be an exhibition of interesting products and services to browse as well as free massages and makeovers.

2. Women’s Day annual market
This market is an amazing opportunity for over 35 women to exhibit their wares at the Grand West Arena and an even better opportunity for you to shop. From clothing and accessories to children’s books as well as furniture there will be plenty to spend your money on. If you’re feeling like you need to be pampered then take some time to get a manicure, a head massage or grab a bite to eat from the food stalls.

3. Women’s Day Celebration with Debora Patta
If you want to get out of town for Women’s Day why not visit Worcester and join award-winning investigative journalist, Debora Patta, for a morning of tea and cake. She will be speaking about the challenges that women face in their daily lives. There will also be an exhibition of products and services, gift bags for all attendees and prizes up for grabs.

4. Cadiz Swim Series
Go swimming for a good cause at Camp’s Bay beach with the Cadiz Swim Series. Join them on Tuesday 9th to raise funds for the Western Cape Cerebral Palsy Association while promoting open water swimming.

5. St Luke’s Hospice Women’s Day brunch
Support this great organisation by joining them in Rondebosch at the Belmont Square Conference Centre. KFM’s Charmaine Noy and productivity specialist Tracey Foulkes will be hosting the brunch and introducing the guest speakers.

6. Women’s Day at Laborie Lazy Days Market
Take a trip to Paarl and visit the Laborie Wine Estate on Saturday 6th August for their early Women’s Day celebrations. There will be exciting food demonstrations, arts, crafts and entertainment for the kids and craft beers as well as wines for parents.

7. Cracks and the City II at the Baxter
Join the all-female comedic foursome made up by Shimmy Isaacs, Anne Hirsch, Anthea Thompson and Marianne Thamm this August. Comic whizz Alan Committie directs them as they present new material and sketches at the Baxter Theatre in Rondebosch.

And…Café Caprice and Grey Goose will be auctioning off men for a good cause on Sunday 7th August. Join them in Camp’s Bay to bid on the eligible bachelors and win a group date and other fantastic prizes. Proceeds go to The Gift Bearers Association, a feeding scheme in Cape Town. Call +27 (0)21 438 8315 to find out more.

Celebrate the quirky careers of Capetonian women and Liz Ogumbo’s many achievements. Want to know when your next day off is? Here’s a list of South African Public Holidays.

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