On the 9th of August 1956, 20,000 women staged a march on the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest against the proposed amendments to the Urban Areas Act (commonly known as the "pass laws") of 1950. They left bundles of petitions containing more than 100 000 signatures at Prime Minister J.G. Strijdom's office doors. Outside they stood silently for 30 minutes, many with their children on their backs. The march was led by Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Albertina Sisulu and Sophia Williams-De Bruyn. The women sang a protest song that was composed in honour of the occasion: Wathint'Abafazi Wathint'imbokodo! (Now you have touched the women, you have struck a rock.). In the 54 years since, the phrase (or its latest incarnation: "you strike a woman, you strike a rock") has come to represent women's courage and strength in South Africa.

56 years later, we stil remember and recognise this remarkable day in South Africa by celebrating National Women's Day. Whether you are a large corporate treating your staff to a Women's Day lunch or hosting clients at a Women's Day event, or a small group of friends celebrating the day with a ladies' lunch, or even just looking to mark the day by spoiling the women in your life close to you - Macaroon's personalised stationery makes the perfect gift.

Our personalised journals and notepads are our gift of choice for Women's Day. In a range of uplifting designs, these high quality notebooks are personalised on both the cover and on every page inside. If you are a corporate and are ordering for a group of Women, we will happily include your logo on the back cover. Alternatively, Macaroon's beautiful bookplates, personalised stationery boxes and planner sets all make gorgeous gifts for the women in your life. 

So, until next Tuesday, let's remember, with admiration and appreciation, the amazing women of the 1956 march. From the Macaroon team, wishing all women out there a wonderful Women's Day: "Wathint'Abafazi Wathint'imbokodo"!