Women For Change leads GBV protest

WOMEN For Change founder Sabrina Walter says South Africa is facing a turning point in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV), as thousands of women and allies across the country joined the online campaign, turning their profile pictures purple in solidarity with survivors.

- XOLILE MTEMBU

"I'm overwhelmed; it has been such an emotional weekend. I have spent almost a decade fighting this crisis, shouting into what often felt like an endless void, a fight shadowed by silence and death," she said.

On Friday, November 21, South African women and members of the LGBTQI+ community are being urged to stage a nationwide shutdown in protest against GBV and femicide. Women For Change said the demonstration aims to highlight the social and economic impact of women's absence, coming just a day before the G20 Leaders' Summit.

According to Walter, the surge of online support has been unprecedented, with women sharing their stories and standing together in a powerful act of collective resistance.

"Seeing thousands of women and allies turn their profile pictures purple, speak out and share their stories has brought me to tears more than once," she said. "Messages are pouring in from every corner of the world, women across the continent standing together against GBV and femicide."