Cape Town is gearing up for a deeply emotional and powerful moment as thousands of women, LGBTQI+ community members, and allies prepare to gather at Sea Point Promenade for the G20 Women’s Shutdown. The call, led by Women for Change, is aimed at confronting the heartbreaking reality of gender based violence and femicide in South Africa.
For many, Friday is not just a protest. It is a personal stand, a moment to honour women whose names we may never know but whose lives were cut short in a country grappling with violence.
Why Women Are Saying Enough
South Africa continues to face a GBV crisis of staggering proportions. An estimated 15 women are murdered every day, and around 115 rapes are reported daily. Activists stress that these numbers only scratch the surface, because most survivors never report their ordeal.
Women for Change has been pushing government for stronger action. Earlier this year, the organisation handed over a petition calling for GBV to be declared a national disaster. A more recent petition gained over one million signatures, showing how urgently South Africans want change.
On Friday, women and LGBTQI+ people are being asked to refrain from all work, whether paid or unpaid. Between 12 pm and 12:15 pm, “lie downs” will take place across the country to honour the 15 women who lose their lives every single day. Supporters are encouraged to wear black.
A Daily Life Shaped By Fear
Among the groups standing in solidarity is the Trauma Centre. Senior director Marguerite Holthauzen recently reflected on what it means to be a woman living in South Africa.
“When you are a woman here, you learn to walk with fear. You look over your shoulder. You change your routes. You do everything possible not to become another statistic.”
Her words echo the lived reality of millions. Only one in 13 rape cases is reported, and of those, just 10 percent lead to a conviction. Many women carry their trauma in silence because they do not trust the system meant to protect them.
The Push For Real Systemic Change
Women for Change is calling for more than symbolic support. Activists want GBV recognised as a national disaster so resources can be fast-tracked toward shelters, specialised policing, survivor support, and community education.
There is also a strong demand for a justice system that properly investigates and prosecutes cases. Too often, survivors are left battling a system that feels cold, slow, and unresponsive.
South Africans Show Their Support
On social media, support has been overwhelming. Hashtags like #G20Shutdown, #WomenForChange, and #GBVMustFall are filled with posts from women sharing their experiences, communities planning to march, and allies pledging to join the shutdown.
Student groups, community organisations, and local celebrities have also voiced their support. For many young women online, the sentiment is the same: “We’re tired of living in fear.”
A Moment Of Truth For South Africa
As global leaders gather for the G20, women across South Africa will be gathering for something far more urgent: a demand for dignity, safety, and justice.
The G20 Women’s Shutdown is more than a call to action. It is a moment of collective grief, collective anger, and collective hope. A reminder that behind every statistic is a sister, mother, daughter, colleague, or friend.
On Friday, Sea Point will not just be a promenade. It will be a powerful symbol of a country refusing to look away.
Featured Image Source: Buhle The First on X
