Human Rights Day is more than just a public holiday. . .
It’s a day that carries weight, power, and deep meaning - especially for us, as South Africans. You might be thinking, "It’s my day off that falls on a Friday, so I’m just going to enjoy the long weekend. Woo-hoo!” 💃🏽 Well, boo-hoo, because there’s so much more to this day than just a long weekend. Human Rights Day is a reminder of the battles fought, the lives lost, and the progress made in the fight for equality, justice, and human dignity.
What happened on 21 March 1960?
On 21 March 1960, the Sharpeville Massacre took place in Sharpeville, Vereeniging. It was a turning point in the country's struggle against apartheid. On that day, a peaceful protest was organized by the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) against the apartheid regime's pass laws, which required black South Africans to carry passbooks to control their movement and limit where they could live, work, and travel.
Around 5,000 people gathered in Sharpeville to demonstrate, peacefully refusing to carry their passes. The apartheid police, feeling threatened by the large crowd, opened fire on the protesters. 69 people were killed, and over 180 others were wounded, many of them shot in the back as they tried to flee.
The Sharpeville Massacre sparked outrage, both within the country and internationally. It marked a pivotal moment in the anti-apartheid movement and led to widespread protests across the country. In response, the South African government banned political organisations like the PAC and the African National Congress (ANC) and declared a state of emergency.
This tragic event played a crucial role in turning global attention to the harsh realities of apartheid and became a symbol of the resistance against racial injustice.
The meaning behind the day
That day, 69 lives were lost. SIXTY-NINE souls who fought for the right to live freely, with dignity, and without restrictions placed on them because of the colour of their skin. A tragedy? ABSOLUTELY! But, this event is what makes 21 March soo significant. It's a day to remember those who paid the ultimate price for a better future.
What does it stand for?
Human Rights Day is all about acknowledging that every individual has the right to freedom, equality, and dignity. It's about standing up for basic human rights that everyone - no matter their race, gender, or background - deserves. It’s about recognizing the injustices of the past and working towards a world where these things never happen again.
In a time when discrimination and unfairness controlled so much of life, Human Rights Day reminds us to never take our freedom for granted. From the simple right to vote, to the right to feel safe (as a woman), every little step toward change is important. We’ve come so far, and we can’t forget how precious these freedoms are.
Why we need to celebrate AND honour the Day
Celebration is essential, but it’s not enough. To truly honour Human Rights Day, we need to reflect on the struggles of those who came before us and continue to advocate for the rights of those who may still be fighting for theirs. The work isn’t finished. Yes, we’ve come a long way since apartheid, but challenges still exist in many corners of the world - inequality, racism, and systemic injustice are still very real.
Honouring this day means more than not going to work, wearing a cool T-shirt, or posting a cute selfie. It means educating yourself on what human rights actually are, understanding the history that brought us here, and using your voice and influence to continue advocating for change. Whether it’s through your social media, your interactions, or simply being aware of the world around you, every action counts.
Why It’s Important for YOU 👑
As a woman - your voice, your rights, and your freedom are everything. Human Rights Day serves as a reminder that you deserve the right to live your life how you see fit. Whether it’s achieving your career goals, expressing yourself freely, or standing up for what you believe in, it all stems from the fight for equal rights. This day is for the ones who paved the way for us to be who we are today - empowered, unapologetically bold, and free.
So, celebrate it with intention. Don’t just acknowledge the holiday - honour it. Whether you're sharing this blog post, or attending a rally - let the day serve as a reminder that every bit of freedom we enjoy today comes from those who fought for it.
Let us recognise the power of human rights and the importance of standing together to create a world that’s better for everyone:
Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms that belong to everyone, simply because they are human. These rights are universal, meaning they apply to all people, regardless of their race, gender, nationality, religion, or any other status. Human rights ensure that everyone is treated with dignity, equality, and fairness.
They include:
- Right to Life: Every person has the right to live and be protected from harm.
- Freedom of Speech: The right to express thoughts, opinions, and beliefs freely without fear of punishment.
- Right to Equality: Everyone is entitled to the same rights and opportunities, regardless of background.
- Right to Privacy: The right to have one's personal life and information protected from unnecessary interference.
- Freedom from Discrimination: The right to live without being treated unfairly because of race, gender, religion, etc.
- Right to Education: Every person should have access to education to better their life.
- Right to Work: The right to seek a job, work, and earn a living.
- Freedom of Religion: The right to practice, change, or express any religion or belief.
Let’s celebrate, but let’s also make sure we’re doing our part to continue the fight for equality, justice, and freedom for all.
Now you've read about it, wanna see sooome visuals? Here you go: https://www.instagram.com/p/DHc26cutcbY/
