South Africa Turns Purple

 

South Africa is currently witnessing a powerful and historic women’s movement, known as the Women for Change shutdown, which is set to take place on November 21, 2025. This landmark action unites women and allies nationwide to address the epidemic of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), demanding urgent government intervention. The movement coincides with the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, using the moment to amplify calls for GBVF to be declared a national disaster—a status that would unlock emergency resources and compel a coordinated response.

The Women for Change movement is remarkable for its comprehensive approach to protest: it calls on women and LGBTQI+ individuals to completely withdraw from economic participation for one day, both paid and unpaid, and avoid all spending as a form of economic pressure. This mass withdrawal underscores the vital role women play in South Africa’s economy and society, encapsulated in its slogan, “Without women, South Africa stops.” The movement also features symbolic acts of solidarity such as widespread adoption of purple profile pictures on social media and wearing black in mourning and resistance. These actions create powerful visibility both online and physically, highlighting the pervasive violence against women and the failure of government frameworks to adequately address it.

The movement’s leadership criticizes the South African government for failing to implement existing measures effectively, noting the disparity between official claims of progress and the brutal realities faced by women, with one woman murdered every 2.5 hours. They insist that frameworks without accountability or sufficient funding are insufficient and demand rapid, measurable action. Public support has been immense, with more than 770,000 signatures on a petition calling for GBVF reform, reflecting a nationwide demand for change and governmental accountability.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has also addressed the nation on the issue of women’s empowerment and the fight against gender-based violence. In his Women’s Day 2025 speech delivered earlier in August, Ramaphosa highlighted government efforts to enhance women’s access to work, entrepreneurship, and financial inclusion. He reiterated the government’s commitment to reducing the gender pay gap and increasing women’s representation in leadership roles, acknowledging progress but also emphasizing that “it is not enough.” Ramaphosa expressed zero tolerance for violence against women and children and called on perpetrators that they “can run but you cannot hide.

Moreover, in a recent address at the International Women's Forum Global Cornerstone Conference, Ramaphosa warned against any backsliding on gender equality gains and called for collective action to ensure continued progress. He emphasized that when women rise, societies rise and celebrated the courage and ingenuity of women transforming communities and breaking down barriers.

This dynamic combination of grassroots activism and government rhetoric illustrates the intensity and determination surrounding the women’s movement in South Africa today. It is a movement pushing not only for legislative and policy change but for societal transformation—demanding dignity, safety, and equality for all women.

South African women’s movement in 2025 is marked by a bold, economically impactful shutdown against GBVF, widespread public and digital solidarity, and a president vocal about the need for continued action while condemning violence. It highlights a critical moment in which South Africa confronts one of its most urgent social crises with a powerful call for justice and change.