We Unburied the Truth in a Casket – 5,578 Beads for 5,578 Women

On Friday, 11 April 2025, we stood together at the Union Buildings – not just as activists, survivors, and organisations – but as a united force of hope, courage, and determination. Surrounded by powerful women, supportive men, and brave children, we rose not in anger, but in love for justice.

Together, we handed over our memorandum and petition, signed by over 150,000 individuals, to Ms Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities.

But our petition didn’t arrive in a folder. It arrived in a casket – custom-made to be 33.8% larger than a standard coffin, symbolising the horrific 33.8% increase in femicide in just one year. The casket was decorated with 5,578 woven African beads – each bead representing a woman murdered between 2023 and 2024. This casket was not just a symbol – it was a truth too heavy to ignore. A visual testimony of the war being waged against women in South Africa.

It was a moment we will never forget. A moment when the voices of survivors, mothers, families – a nation crying for change – were no longer ignored.

This movement was born out of pain, built without funding or institutional support, but fueled by pure passion, truth, and love. And on Friday, that love filled the air – in our chants, our tears, our voices, and our strength.

To everyone who signed the petition, supported us, stood beside us at the Union Buildings, and changed their profile picture to purple – thank you. You made history with us.

Now, our message to the Presidency is clear: We demand a formal response within the next 30 days.

We will not be silent. We will not step back. We will keep rising – for every woman whose life was stolen, and for every girl who still dreams of a future free from fear.

Written by Sabrina Walter, Founder & Executive Director of Women For Change