South Africa is witnessing a powerful wave of solidarity as social media timelines, streets, and public conversations promote the purple movement in protest against the country’s escalating gender-based violence crisis.
With a nationwide shutdown planned and symbolic acts of resistance gaining momentum, the Purple Movement has become more than a trend; it is a collective outcry for justice, accountability, and meaningful action.
This protest comes in a timely manner as South Africa continues to record some of the highest GBV and femicide numbers globally.
Here are 4 key facts to know about the purple movement in South Africa related to gender-based violence (GBV) / femicide:
The Purpose
Led by the group Women for Change, the movement is demanding that gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) be officially declared a national disaster.
They argue that the scale of GBV is so severe that the state should allocate emergency-level resources and political will.
Mass Petition & Public Support
The campaign’s petition has garnered over one million signatures, showing broad public backing.
Through the petition, they demand stiffer legal reforms (like no parole for certain offenders), full funding for the national GBVF strategy, public access to the sex-offender register, and mandatory GBV education in schools and workplaces.
ALSO READ: Important Facts And Statistics To Know About Gender-Based Violence (GBV)
Shutdown Strategy
Ahead of a nationwide shutdown on November 21, 2025, participants are being asked to refrain from all paid and unpaid work, not spend money, and lie down for 15 minutes exactly at noon in public or private spaces.
The 15-minute lie-down symbolizes the 15 women who are killed each day in South Africa, according to the movement. Participants are also asked to wear black (mourning/resistance) and change their social media profile pictures to purple to make the protest visible online.
The Symbolism of the Colour Purple
Purple is the visual symbol of the movement, as it is currently used in profile pictures and public landmarks, thereby representing strength, justice, and a call for change.