“No More Silence” – Women For Change call Nationwide Shutdown to protest femicide

Women For Change has announced a nationwide shutdown on 21 November, the day before the G20 summit, to protest the persistent crisis of femicide and gender-based violence in South Africa. The group aims to show the social and economic impact of women’s absence from work, homes, and commerce, while pressing for urgent action from authorities.

Participants are urged to refrain from paid and unpaid labour, avoid spending money, and take part in a symbolic 15-minute lie-down at midday to honour the women lost to femicide, estimated at around fifteen daily. Supporters are encouraged to wear black in mourning and purple on social media to amplify the message. Men are invited to join as allies, but the focus is on women and the LGBTQI+ community, who are most affected by these crimes.

The timing ahead of the G20 summit is strategic, aiming to leverage global attention to pressure leaders to declare gender-based violence a national disaster and treat it with the urgency it deserves. The protest seeks to demonstrate that violence against women affects not just safety but the economy and national development.

While government authorities prepare for the international summit, the shutdown underscores the urgency of addressing femicide. It challenges leaders to move beyond words, showing that society will hold them accountable for protecting women and ensuring their full participation in all aspects of life.