Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a national crisis in South Africa. Now, the GBV Shutdown campaign, led by Women for Change, is calling for urgent action. The movement is demanding that gender-based violence and femicide be declared a national disaster.
What Is the GBV Shutdown?
The GBV Shutdown is a national protest planned for 21 November 2025, just one day before the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg. The action is led by the advocacy NGO Women for Change, which fights against GBV and femicide.
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Their demands include:
- Declaring GBVF a national disaster
- Recognising the economic and social impact of unpaid labour and GBV
- Strengthening the justice system’s response to gendered crimes
More than 850,000 South Africans have signed the online petition in support of this movement.
“Until South Africa stops burying a woman every 2.5 hours, the G20 cannot speak of growth and progress,” Women for Change stated.
Protest Action: What to Expect on 21 November
The GBV Shutdown calls on women and LGBTQI+ South Africans to:
- Avoid all work (paid or unpaid)
- Spend no money for the entire day
- Join a 15-minute standstill at midday
- Wear black in mourning and resistance
The protest coincides with the G20 Summit at Nasrec. Authorities are preparing for significant traffic disruptions, including rolling road closures across Johannesburg.
Why the Shutdown? Femicide Rates Are Alarmingly High
Women for Change reports that:
- 15 women are murdered every day in South Africa.
- South Africa’s femicide rate is six times higher than the global average.
- Rape statistics remain deeply concerning, with over 42,000 reported rapes between April 2022 and March 2023.
“On average, 117 cases of rape are reported daily,” noted a recent report.
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Government Rejects Call to Declare National Disaster
Despite growing support, the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) rejected the call to classify GBVF as a national disaster. In a letter addressed to Women for Change, NDMC Head Dr Ellias Sithole stated:
“The Disaster Management Act was not enacted to deal with ingrained societal vulnerabilities.”
While acknowledging the crisis, Sithole argued that GBVF should be tackled through existing mechanisms, such as the National Strategic Plan on GBVF (2020–2030).
Civil Society Response and Mobilisation
The shutdown has sparked national mobilisation:
- Students at Wits University protested after GBV allegations surfaced on campus.
- The public campaign includes purple profile pictures on social media.
- Activist groups such as Ribbons of Justice are joining the shutdown in solidarity.
“We will be part of the purple march on 21 November,” said Ribbons of Justice’s Lorraine Slippers.
GBV First Responder Programme Launches
In response to the crisis, the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has launched a GBV First Responder Programme:
- 500 responders will be trained during the 2025–2026 pilot in Gauteng, KZN, and Eastern Cape.
- By 2030, there will be 5,000 certified responders nationwide.
- A digital response tool will be developed.
“If you are passionate about making a difference, join us in this critical initiative,” said SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago.
Justice Delayed for Many Survivors
GBV survivors continue to face long delays in the justice system. Izelle Venter, a Pretoria woman, has been waiting for justice for six years. Her case has now been postponed to February 2026.
“They keep using stalling tactics. Next year it will be seven years,” .
Cases like hers highlight the systemic failures and urgent need for reform.
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FAQs About the GBV Shutdown
What is the GBV Shutdown?
It’s a national protest calling for GBVF to be declared a national disaster.
Who is leading the movement?
The NGO Women for Change is leading the campaign.
When is the protest happening?
21 November 2025, ahead of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg.
What does the protest involve?
Work stoppage, no spending, a 15-minute standstill, and wearing black.
