By Valentine Uchechukwu Ndukwu
Women for Change Shutdown Demands Action on South Africa’s GBV Crisis
Thousands of women joined by supportive men gathered at Constitution Hill in Johannesburg for the nationwide Women for Change Shutdown, a protest calling on the government to officially declare gender-based violence a national emergency.
At exactly noon, the entire crowd fell silent for one minute to honour the 15 women killed every day in South Africa.
Similar protests were held in cities like Pretoria, Cape Town and Durban, with participants wearing black, signing petitions, and using the hashtag #WomenShutdown to push the message across the country.
Organisers said the shutdown was designed to show how much South Africa relies on women, both socially and economically.
Women For Change spokesperson Cameron Kasambala explained that many people stayed away from work and school to prove the seriousness of the crisis, adding that government officials had already acknowledged GBV as a national disaster.
President Cyril Ramaphosa also reiterated at the G20 Social Summit that South Africa must take bold, united action to end violence against women and ensure their safety and dignity.
The protest drew a diverse crowd, from youth activists to professionals, religious groups and concerned men who said they wanted to take responsibility rather than remain silent.
Many attendees shared personal fears and frustrations, saying women should not have to live in danger in a country with one of the world’s strongest constitutions.
While the shutdown was a powerful one-day event, organisers stressed that the movement will continue with more activities, including an Uprising Festival at Constitution Hill, to keep pushing for real change and protection for women across South Africa.
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