G20 Women's Shutdown took place in all corners of South Africa. Photo: Women For Change
South Africa will tomorrow experience a historic moment of collective defiance. People all over South Africa are getting ready. They aim to bring the nation to a standstill. This comes as the world’s most influential leaders gather for the G20 conference. This is more than simply a protest. It’s a fundamental statement. The G20 can’t talk about progress and growth until South Africa ceases burying a woman every 2.5 hours.
In a desperate cry for help, the non-profit organization Women for Change made an urgent call. They want Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) declared a national disaster. They initiated the G20 Women’s Shutdown on the 21st of November 2025.
“We refuse to allow South Africa to present itself as a ‘stable, growing economy.’ Women’s bodies are the battlefield beneath it,” states Women for Change. “The G20 Women’s Shutdown sends a direct message to the world. You can’t speak of progress while women are dying.”
Beyond Awareness
In 2023/24 alone, South Africa witnessed a 1.84% rise in female homicides, with 5,578 women being killed in a single year. More than 42,946 rape cases were reported. The statistics are a national shame. These are not just statistics; they stand for broken families, broken lives and untreated social wounds.
Women For Change claims that the current National Strategic Plan (NSP) on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide is insufficient. It lacks transparency. They reject the government’s earlier decision against the national disaster declaration. According to groups like Wise4Afrika and SAMA, declaring a national catastrophe will free up vital resources. It will speed operations and guarantee a coordinated, immediate response. This response satisfies all requirements for such a declaration. According to groups like Wise4Afrika and SAMA, declaring a national catastrophe will lease vital resources, speed operations, and guarantee a coordinated, immediate response to a crisis that meets all criteria for such a declaration
A United Front: Organizations Stand in Solidarity
A strong partnership has been formed as a result of the call to action’s profound appeal across every area of South African society:
- Advocacy & NGOs: Women for Change is in the forefront. They receive assistance from CrtveDevelopment, Wise4Afrika, and the Trauma Centre for Survivors of Violence and Torture.
- Labor Unions: SAFTU affiliates TASWU and NUPSAW will actively take part in protests. The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) also joins the protests.
- Medical Professionals: The women’s arm of the South African Medical Association (SAMA) has expressed support. They back the moral goals of the shutdown.
- Academics: Rhodes University, Wits University, Stellenbosh University, University of Fort Hare (UFH) are endorsing the shutdown with campus solidarity pauses. Many more institutions are also supporting it.
- Political Parties: RISE Mzansi and the GOOD Political Party have categorically supported the closure.
- Media & Business: The Caxton Group has shown early and obvious support. They have emphasized that “The fight against GBV is not for women alone.”
Nationwide Participation
Wearing black to stand in mourning and changing social media profile pictures to purple using the hashtag #WomenShutdown.
The most significant event is the 15-Minute Silent Standstill. It is held at 12:00 PM in remembrance of the 15 women who are killed every day. At certain points across the country, participants will lie down.
Gauteng – Constitutional Hill, Johannesburg; Botanical Gardens, Randburg; Aula Lawn, University of Pretoria; Union Buildings Lawn, Pretoria.
Western Cape – Sea Point Promenade, Cape Town; Rooiplein, Stellenbosch University.
KwaZulu-Natal – North Beach, Durban; South Beach, Durban.
Eastern Cape – Eastern Beach, East London ; Summerstrand Beach, Gqeberha; Rhodes University Library, Makhanda.
Free State – Hoffman Square (Main Campus); University of Free State, Bloemfontein
Limpopo – Sports Ground, University of Limpopo.
Northern Cape – Sol Plaatje University, Kimberley.
Mpumalanga – Riverside Government Boulevard, Nelspruit.
North West – Potch Park at the Bult Area, North West University, Potchefstroom.
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