Mobilizing for Change: How Women for Change Is Tackling Gender Based Violence in South Africa
- Love To Live
- Nov 14
- 4 min read
Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) remains one of the most urgent crises facing South Africa today. The devastating impact of GBVF touches families, communities, and entire generations, creating a cycle of trauma and loss. Recognizing the need for urgent and coordinated action, the Women for Change initiative is calling for GBVF to be declared a National Disaster. This bold step aims to bring the full weight of government resources and public attention to a crisis that demands immediate intervention.
This post explores how Women for Change, alongside partner organisations like Love to Live, is mobilizing efforts to raise awareness, unite advocates, and push for systemic change to protect women and children across the country.
The Scale of the GBVF Crisis in South Africa
South Africa has one of the highest rates of gender-based violence in the world. According to the South African Police Service, thousands of women and children fall victim to violence every year, with many cases going unreported. The effects ripple beyond the immediate victims, impacting families, communities, and the social fabric.
Declaring GBVF a National Disaster would mean recognizing the crisis as a threat to national security and public health. This status could unlock emergency funding, improve coordination between government departments, and enforce stronger accountability measures.
Women for Change’s Call to Action
Women for Change is leading a national campaign to demand this declaration. The initiative brings together NGOs, NPOs, and community groups committed to ending GBVF. Their approach includes:
Public Demonstrations: On 21 November, a placard demonstration is planned to raise public awareness and pressure government officials to act. This visible show of solidarity highlights the urgency of the crisis and the demand for immediate response.
Organisational Meetings: On the same day, supporting organisations will meet at Eddels Sports Club to formalize their commitment and strengthen collective advocacy. This gathering aims to build a united front that can influence policy and resource allocation.
These activities are designed to create momentum and ensure that the voices of survivors and advocates are heard at the highest levels.
Love to Live’s Role in Supporting Change
Love to Live, an organisation dedicated to safety and empowerment for women and children, has expressed full support for Women for Change’s initiative. Their involvement includes:
Backing the Placard Demonstration: Love to Live encourages partner organisations to participate actively in the public demonstration, emphasizing the need for national recognition of GBVF as a crisis.
Joining the Meeting of Supporting Organisations: By attending the meeting at Eddels Sports Club, Love to Live aims to collaborate with other groups to build a stronger advocacy network.
Ongoing Advocacy and Support: Beyond these events, Love to Live commits to continued collaboration, advocacy, and support for initiatives that promote justice, safety, and healing for survivors.
Their support highlights the importance of partnerships in tackling complex social issues like GBVF.
Why Declaring GBVF a National Disaster Matters
Declaring GBVF a National Disaster is more than a symbolic gesture. It has practical implications that can transform the response to this crisis:
Increased Funding: Emergency status can unlock dedicated government funds for prevention, support services, and law enforcement.
Improved Coordination: It enables better collaboration between police, healthcare providers, social services, and community organisations.
Accountability and Monitoring: A disaster declaration can enforce stricter oversight of government actions and resource use.
Public Awareness: It raises the profile of GBVF as a national emergency, encouraging societal change and reducing stigma around reporting violence.
This approach has been effective in other countries facing similar crises, showing that urgent, coordinated action can save lives.
How Communities Can Get Involved
Ending GBVF requires action from all levels of society. Here are ways individuals and organisations can contribute:
Participate in Public Demonstrations: Join events like the 21 November placard demonstration to show solidarity and raise awareness.
Support Advocacy Groups: Partner with organisations like Women for Change and Love to Live to strengthen collective efforts.
Educate and Inform: Share accurate information about GBVF and available resources within your community.
Report and Support Survivors: Encourage safe reporting of violence and support survivors through local services.
Engage with Policymakers: Contact local representatives to demand stronger policies and resources to combat GBVF.
Every action helps build a safer environment for women and children.
The Path Forward
The Women for Change initiative, supported by organisations like Love to Live, is a critical step toward addressing the GBVF crisis in South Africa. By calling for GBVF to be declared a National Disaster, they are pushing for the urgent, coordinated response that survivors deserve.
This movement shows the power of collective action and the importance of standing together for justice and safety. The upcoming events on 21 November offer a chance for communities and organisations to unite and make their voices heard.
The fight against GBVF is far from over, but with sustained commitment and clear demands, real change is possible. Declaring GBVF a National Disaster will open doors to resources, accountability, and protection that can save lives and rebuild communities.
If you want to support this cause or learn more about how to get involved, reach out to Women for Change or Love to Live. Together, we can create a safer South Africa for all.
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