City hosts 130 women at Artscape Women’s Humanity Festival

13 August 2026

A group of 130 women, hosted by the City’s Community, Arts and Culture Development Department, joined the Artscape Women’s Humanity Festival this past weekend. The festival, also sponsored by the department, uses arts, culture and creativity to encourage dialogue and raise awareness about issues and challenges in society.

The women from Athlone, Langa, and Bonteheuwel, were chosen from Arts and Culture intervention programmes in their communities, referrals or ward allocations.

Caption 1: A panel discussion looked at actions and accountability around the challenges facing marginalised communities. 

‘Women’s Month is not only an opportunity to remember and honour those who have paved the way for women’s rights, equality and social justice. It’s a time for us to build on that legacy and to recognise the progress and the work still needed to protect women’s rights and safety. I salute the women among us who lead, teach and get up each day to contribute quietly to their families and communities. We celebrate their strength and resilience,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.

Caption 2: The Women's Humanity Walk from the Cape Town Civic Centre to Artscape paid tribute to Sophia Theresa Williams-De Bruyn, the last surviving leader of the historic 1956 Women's March.

The festival runs until 31 August in association with Woman Zone with the theme ‘Peace in action working together’ and emphasises healing, inclusion, and active peace building.

For more information on the festival, visit Artscape's website.