DDP and KZN Legislature Mark International Women’s Day 2026 with Call for Rights, Justice, and Action
The Democracy Development Programme (DDP), in partnership with the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature, successfully hosted an International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026 celebration in Durban under the global theme “Rights. Justice. Action – For All Women and Girls.” The event brought together women leaders, councillors, legislators, academics, and civil society organisations to reflect on progress and strengthen collective action for gender equality.
Convened by DDP and the Multiparty Women's Caucus of the KZN Legislature, the programme focused on translating commitments to women’s rights into practical, local-level action, particularly within municipalities where women and girls often experience the greatest barriers to safety, justice, and participation.
International Women’s Day is globally recognised as a moment to honour women’s contributions and recommit to advancing equality. The 2026 theme underscored the need to move beyond rhetoric and ensure that women’s rights are protected in law, enforced in practice, and realised in everyday life.
Opening the programme, DDP Executive Director Dr Paul Kariuki highlighted the importance of inclusive leadership and institutional accountability in addressing persistent inequalities. He noted that while South Africa has one of the most progressive constitutional frameworks, many women continue to face violence, discrimination, and exclusion at community level.
Keynote speaker Hon. Nontembeko Boyce, Speaker of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature, reaffirmed the Legislature’s commitment to supporting women’s leadership and advancing gender-responsive governance. She emphasised the role of women in political and civic spaces as critical drivers of social justice and democratic accountability.
A central part of the programme was a panel discussion engaging three interrelated themes:
- Justice for All Women and Girls, focusing on access to justice, safety, and institutional accountability;
- Rights in Practice, examining gender-responsive local governance and service delivery; and
- Action through Leadership, highlighting women’s influence in shaping policy and driving change.
Panelists from Black Sash, SALGA, and academia shared insights and practical strategies to strengthen women’s participation, leadership, and protection across KwaZulu-Natal.
The programme concluded with a collective Call to Action, encouraging women leaders across political parties and sectors to champion women’s rights, mentor emerging leaders, and promote equality within their communities and institutions.
For DDP, the IWD 2026 celebration reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to strengthening democratic participation, supporting women’s leadership, and bridging the gap between policy and lived realities for women and girls.
Watch the full event here
