Post by : Rameen Ariff

In South Africa, women’s rights activists are initiating nationwide protests, advocating for the declaration of gender-based violence (GBV) as a national disaster. The alarming frequency of attacks on women has spurred this urgent call for government intervention.

Originating from a viral social media initiative, the movement is set to culminate in a nationwide “shutdown” on Friday coinciding with the G20 Summit in Johannesburg. Supporters are showing online solidarity by updating their profile pictures to purple, a recognized color for GBV awareness.

With some of the highest global rates of violence against women, South Africa reports that women are five times more likely to die from violence compared to the global average. Recent figures show that 137 women were murdered and over 1,000 were raped from January to March 2025.

Participants in the protest are encouraged to refrain from work or school, effectively “withdrawing from the economy for one day,” and participating in a 15-minute “lie down” at noon to commemorate the victims of violence. These events are planned at 15 sites throughout South Africa, including key cities like Cape Town, Durban, and Johannesburg. Additional support has been pledged by allies in Eswatini, Kenya, and Namibia. Protesters are advised to wear black to signify mourning and resistance.

The protest is organized by Women for Change, which has spearheaded the online campaign and gathered over one million signatures for a petition urging the government to take decisive actions against GBV. However, the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) has stated that GBV does not legally fall under the category of a national disaster.

President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged the need to combat GBV during the G20 Social Summit, reiterating that the country classified gender-based violence and femicide as a national crisis in 2019. Activists claim minimal progress has been made since this declaration as laws and initiatives are often poorly enforced.

“Violence has become ingrained in our culture and social norms,” stated Women for Change representative Cameron Kasambala. “We need the government to set the precedent and tone for genuine transformation.”

The campaign has received notable support from public figures and the general populace. Prominent artist Tyla, alongside others, has joined the “purple movement” by sharing purple-themed content to raise awareness.

Some South African women are taking personal safety into their own hands. Lynette Oxeley established Girls on Fire, a group that equips women with self-defense training using firearms. Many members have previously experienced assault, molestation, or robbery. One participant, Prudence, joined after enduring rape in 2022 and facing obstacles to justice due to a misplaced DNA kit.

Oxeley emphasized that resorting to firearms should be a last option. “It’s not solely about self-defense—it's about empowering women to refuse silence,” she stated. “Even in defeat, standing your ground is a victory.”

The nationwide protests serve as a crucial reminder that gender-based violence is an ongoing crisis in South Africa, with both activists and citizens calling for stronger governmental measures to safeguard women.

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