South African Women Launch Nationwide Protest to Fight Gender Violence

Women’s rights groups in South Africa are calling for nationwide protests to demand that gender-based violence (GBV) be declared a national disaster. Attacks on women have become common in the country, prompting activists to push for urgent government action.

The campaign began as a viral social media movement and will peak with a nationwide “shutdown” on Friday, coinciding with the G20 Summit in Johannesburg. Supporters have shown solidarity online by changing their profile pictures to purple, a color linked to GBV awareness.

South Africa faces some of the world’s highest rates of violence against women. UN Women reports that women in the country are five times more likely to be killed than the global average. Between January and March 2025 alone, 137 women were murdered and over 1,000 were raped.

The nationwide protest urges women to stay home from work or school, “withdraw from the economy for one day,” and lie down for 15 minutes at 12:00 local time to honor women who have been killed. The “lie downs” will take place at 15 locations across South Africa, including major cities such as Cape Town, Durban, and Johannesburg. Allies in Eswatini, Kenya, and Namibia have also pledged support. Protesters are encouraged to wear black as a sign of mourning and resistance.

The shutdown is organized by Women for Change, which has also led the online campaign and a petition signed by over one million people, calling on the government to take stronger action against GBV. The National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) has rejected the call, stating that GBV does not legally qualify as a national disaster.

President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted South Africa’s fight against GBV at the G20 Social Summit, noting that the country declared gender-based violence and femicide a national crisis in 2019. Activists argue that little progress has been made since then, with laws and programs often poorly implemented.

“Violence has been integrated into our culture and social norms,” said Women for Change spokesperson Cameron Kasambala. “We need the government to set the precedent and tone for real change on the ground.”

The campaign has drawn widespread support from celebrities and citizens. Grammy-winning singer Tyla and others have joined the online “purple movement” by posting purple hearts, clothing, or accessories to raise awareness.

Some South African women are taking personal measures for safety. Lynette Oxeley founded Girls on Fire, a group that trains women to defend themselves using firearms. Most members have experienced assault, rape, or robbery. One woman, Prudence, joined after surviving rape in 2022 and facing a lost DNA kit, making justice nearly impossible.

Oxeley emphasized that using a gun is a last resort. “It’s not just about defending yourself—it’s about empowering women to stop being silent,” she said. “Even if you don’t win the fight, at least you are fighting back.”

The nationwide protest and shutdown are a reminder that gender-based violence remains a pressing issue in South Africa, with activists and citizens demanding stronger government action to protect women.