The Artscape Women’s Humanity Festival returns to Cape Town throughout August 2026, celebrating its 20th anniversary with a month-long programme of performances, exhibitions and conversations that inspire change. This year’s festival also commemorates Artscape’s 55th anniversary and the 70th anniversary of the historic 1956 Women’s March, making it one of the country’s most significant Women’s Month celebrations.
Presented under the theme “A Place For All”, with the sub-theme “Women in Action | Vroue in Aksie | Abafazi Kwintshukumo”, the festival uses the arts as a platform to address gender-based violence, equality, disability inclusion, LGBTQIA+ rights and women’s leadership.
A major highlight is the Women’s Humanity Walk on 9 August, which begins at the Cape Town Civic Centre and ends at Artscape. Honouring Sophia Theresa Williams-De Bruyn, the last surviving leader of the 1956 Women’s March, the walk concludes with the symbolic “Stop the Silence” ceremony and an interfaith blessing, encouraging South Africans to stand together against violence and discrimination.
Visitors can enjoy an inspiring programme of theatre, dance, live music, film, visual art, workshops, book launches, panel discussions and community dialogues. Festival highlights include Bottelnek Breek Bek, Kom Fietna Saam, ABFAB Drag, the documentary Bones, the Falling Forward Roadshow with Rachel Kolisi, the Radio Tygerberg Sis’ters Women’s Conference, the ARISE Women Symposium, Voices in Unison choral performances, and a celebration concert marking 40 years of Thandi Swaartbooi’s contribution to South African arts and culture.
The festival also features powerful conversations led by activists, authors, legal experts and community leaders, alongside exhibitions and interactive workshops designed to promote healing, inclusion and social justice.
Whether you’re interested in world-class performances, inspiring speakers or meaningful community events, the Artscape Women’s Humanity Festival offers a diverse programme that celebrates resilience, creativity and the ongoing pursuit of equality throughout Women’s Month.
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