Artscape has launched the 20th edition of the Women’s Humanity Festival. This year it followed the theme “Women in Action | Vroue in Aksie | Abafazi Kwintshukumo.” The festival called to move beyond remembrance into meaningful action on gender-based violence, disability inclusion, LGBTQIA+ rights and women’s leadership.
The team was honoured to welcome the guests, partners, artists and activists to the official launch of the festival on Wednesday, July 08, 2026 at Chandelier Foyer. This marked 70 years of the historic 1956 Women’s March and celebrated 55th anniversary of the Artscape.
The event opened with a vibrant arrival procession by Women Unite, which was led by the incredible Thandi Swaartbooi, followed by a moving welcome performance. They were honoured to hear a powerful keynote from the Co-founder and Editor-in-Chief of Mikateko Media – Ingrid Jones. This reminded the audience that change is not created by one heroic individual but by communities that refuse to stop caring, that act together and keep walking together.
Reportedly, Nancy Richards and the women of Woman Zone also unveiled their beautiful EVERYWOMAN Textile Artwork, which is a poignant tribute to 55 years of Artscape’s story.
The guests were treated to excerpts from two brand-new Artscape productions, that premiered this Festival season – Kom Fietna Saam and Bottelnek Breek Bek. This gave them all a taste of the storytelling, yet to come.
CEO Marlene le Roux welcomed singer, songwriter and producer Jimmy Nevis who announced the performance of his long-awaited anthem “PREY”, a rallying cry against South Africa’s gender-based violence crisis. Followed by the annual Women’s Humanity Walk from the Cape Town Civic Centre to Artscape on National Women’s Day, August 09, 2026.
A well-known radio personality – Lester Kiewit provided an overview of the thought-provoking panel discussion, 70 Years Since the Women’s March Against Injustice – Where Are We Now?
This discussion on August 08, 2026 will examine the progress made over the past seven decades while exploring the actions and accountability that is needed to address the ongoing challenges to face marginalised communities.
Artscape team extended gratitude to everyone who joined them, the audiences, the NGOs, community organisations and activists who work tirelessly on these issues every day. Their presence and their work were the heartbeat of this Festival. It is a month-long programme that continues through August.