Women for Change (WFC), founded in 2016, is one of South Africa’s most influential non-profit organisations dedicated to combating Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF). Driven by a mission to raise awareness, advocate and inspire meaningful change, WFC harnesses the power of social media to expose the GBVF crisis and demand justice.
With a rapidly growing online community of over 520,000 followers and more than 40 million monthly impressions, WFC amplifies survivor stories, influences public opinion, and puts pressure on policymakers to take decisive action. We have created a powerful and trusted movement where victims of sexual assault can break their silence, find unwavering support and guidance, and access vital resources.
Through relentless advocacy and public engagement, WFC continues to be a leading force in the fight against GBV in South Africa.
Our Pillars:
1. Amplifying Awareness: Boldly exposing the realities of GBV, domestic violence, and femicide to break the silence and spark nationwide action.
2. Empowering Through Education: Informing and educating society on GBVF issues, prevention strategies, and the societal changes needed to end violence.
3. Providing Lifesaving Support: Offering safe and accessible online support and guidance for victims and survivors, including vital referral services for legal, medical, and emotional assistance.
4. Relentless Advocacy for Justice: Fearlessly fighting for the rights of survivors and victims by challenging systems, demanding accountability, and driving legal and policy reform.
Our Vision & Mission Statement
Vision
Women For Change envisions a South Africa where every woman and child lives free from violence – a country rooted in justice, equality, and dignity. We strive for a future where gender-based violence is no longer tolerated, sexual assault is rare, and every survivor is supported, heard, and believed.
Our vision is bold: a world where no woman ever has to say #MeToo again.
Mission
Women For Change is unwavering in its mission to end gender-based violence and femicide. We raise awareness, expose injustice, and empower victims, survivors, and their families through relentless advocacy, trauma-informed support, and innovative technology. We stand on the frontlines – demanding accountability, challenging systems of oppression, and driving transformative change across South Africa.
Facts about GBVF in South Africa
Gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) are deeply entrenched and widespread crises in South Africa. Every day, women and children in both urban and rural communities face unimaginable violence and brutality. The government’s failure to take decisive action enables perpetrators to operate with impunity, leaving survivors without justice and communities in fear.
The following facts highlight the devastating reality of GBVF in South Africa.
- The rate of femicide in South Africa is 6x higher than the global average, with at least 15 women being murdered every day.
- 5,578 women were murdered in 2023/24, a 33,8% increase compared to the year before.
- 1,656 children were murdered in 2023/24, a 38,7% increase compared to the year before
- 42,569 rape cases were reported to the police in 2023/24.
- It’s estimated that 95% of rape cases are not reported.
- 63,054 assaults with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm on women in 2023/24.
These alarming statistics make it clear that gender-based violence and femicide have reached a crisis point and that urgent action is needed to protect our women and children.
Support us to end GBVF
Media Releases
Context by Thomson and Reuters – Abused South African women log on for online lifeline
TimesLive – Women For Change reaches 10-million people a month
BBC TV Interview – Oscar Pistorius released on parole 11 years after killing Reeva Steenkamp
Reuters – Pistorius release touches a nerve in country scarred by violence against women
Newzroom Afrika TV Interview – Women For Change lambasts Pistorius release
The Citizen – At least 25 000 women have been killed by their partners since Reeva died
The Guardian – Oscar Pistorius parole ‘sends wrong message’, says women’s charity on eve of release
SABC TV Interview – ‘Pistorius’ release on parole sends wrong message to GBV offenders’
ENCA TV Interview – Women For Change Race, Sandton City 2019
SABC The Agenda – Women For Change @ The Agenda
News24 – Watch Thousands of Women Run Through Tokai Forest
Sandton Chronicle – Women run to make a change
Sandton Chronicle – Women’s running club launches anti-rape campaign