The launch of WOMEN’S HUMANITY FESTIVAL takes place at Artscape at a private function on 8 July! As South Africa commemorates the 70th anniversary of the historic 1956 Women’s March, Artscape is calling on the nation to move beyond remembrance and towards meaningful action.
Returning this August for its 20th anniversary, the Artscape Women’s Humanity Festival will present a month-long programme of theatre, dance, music, film, exhibitions, public dialogue, workshops and community activism under the theme “A Place For All”, with the sub-theme “Women in Action | Vroue in Aksie | Abafazi Kwintshukumo.”
The Festival also coincides with Artscape Theatre Centre’s 55th anniversary, creating a powerful moment to reflect on how far South Africa has come and how far it still needs to go in addressing gender-based violence, femicide, disability inclusion, LGBTQIA+ rights, equality and women’s leadership.
Rather than simply commemorating history; this year’s Festival asks South Africans to confront the realities facing vulnerable communities today and to become part of creating lasting change. One of the Festival’s most significant events takes place on National Women’s Day, 9 August, with the annual Women’s Humanity Walk from the Cape Town Civic Centre to Artscape. This year’s walk pays tribute to Sophia Theresa Williams-De Bruyn, the last surviving leader of the historic 1956 Women’s March, whose courage helped shape South Africa’s democratic journey. In a powerful symbol of inclusion, it will be led by persons with disabilities, joined by gender activists, members of the LGBTQIA+ community and supporters from across society. Upon arriving at the Artscape Piazza, participants will observe a moment of silence before tearing tape from their mouths and collectively declaring “Stop the Silence” a powerful statement against gender-based violence, discrimination and the silencing of marginalised voices with Women For Change. The event concludes with an interfaith blessing celebrating hope, unity and shared humanity.
Following the walk, acclaimed South African songwriter, performer and gender activist Jimmy Nevis will perform his powerful new anthem “PREY,” a moving tribute to resilience, hope and the strength found in standing together. “Growing up in Athlone, I saw how violence impacts families and communities. I believe music can do more than entertain – it can start conversations, inspire empathy and encourage change. As a man, I’m proud to be part of this festival and to use my voice in standing against gender-based violence”, shares Nevis.
Marlene le Roux, CEO of Artscape, says the Festival is about transforming remembrance into responsibility. “Gender-based violence continues to devastate our communities and persons with disabilities remain marginalised. The LGBTQIA+ community faces ongoing threats and women’s leadership is still the exception rather than the norm. These are not abstract concerns but are the daily realities of people we know and people who deserve better.
The arts give us the language to tell these stories honestly, to hold up a mirror to our society and to spark the conversations that lead to real change. This is why Artscape, as a home for the arts, carries a responsibility that goes beyond entertainment; we use our stages and our platforms to confront these realities and to amplify the voices of those who are so often silenced.
The 1956 Women’s March showed us what is possible when women act together. This Festival is our answer to that inheritance, a renewed commitment to put policies into action, to reclaim every voice that has been silenced, and together to build a place that is truly for all. We invite everyone, women and men, young and old, from every walk of life to join us. This is a Festival for all of us . When we march, we march together.”
With an inspiring programme featuring award-winning theatre productions, dance, music performances, visual art exhibitions, films, educational workshops, intergenerational conversations and community dialogues, the festival offers something for every audience
The full programme will be unveiled on 8 July 2026, with events taking place throughout August at Artscape Theatre Centre in Cape Town.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to our sponsors and partners, the City of Cape Town, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture and the Suidoosterfees; whose generous support makes this impactful work possible.”
WHAT: WOMEN’S HUMANITY FESTIVAL
WHERE: Artscape Theatre Centre, Foreshore, Cape Town 8001
WHEN: August 2026
BOOKING: Webtickets
INFO: Artscape VISIT | Instagram: artscapetheatre, Fb: ArtscapeTheatre, TikTok: artscapetheatre, X: ArtscapeTheatre
