Anti-Apartheid Struggle -- Anti-Pass Protests by South African Women

On 23 September 1913 protests by a multi-racial group of women took place in response to a new requirement introduced in the Orange Free State that black women must carry reference documents (in addition to those already carried by black men). The protestors, led by Charlotte Maxeke, included many professionals such as teachers and nurses. Over the next few months protests were held across the Free State, and when South Africa entered World War I, the Free State authorities finally agreed to relax the rule.

• Find out more about Women's Anti-Pass Law Campaigns in South Africa