Women For Change Calls on the Presidency to Declare GBVF a National Disaster

Every day in South Africa, at least 15 women are murdered, and 117 women report being raped. These are not just statistics – they represent lives lost, families shattered, and communities living in fear. Despite years of advocacy, policies, and promises, the numbers continue to rise. It has become clear that enough has been said – now, it is time for ACTION.

Women For Change has launched a national petition demanding that the South African government declare Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) a National Disaster. We believe that this crisis requires the full mobilisation of national resources and urgent political will to protect women and children from ongoing violence.

Although Women For Change welcomes the Justice Ministry’s recent announcement that the Sexual Offences Register will be made publicly accessible by the end of February 2025, adequately funding the National Strategic Plan on GBVF (NSP GBVF) and enforcing stricter bail and sentencing laws remains critical. We urge President Cyril Ramaphosa to act on his commitments made over the past several years to eradicate GBVF in our society and ensure that the full implementation of the NSP GBVF will proceed in this 7th government administration.

We’ve had enough of big talk and very little action from our government. Women’s and children’s lives are threatened every day by being exposed to the dangers of sexual and gender-based violence. This societal ill needs to be responded to with the urgency and dedication it requires.

“For years, we have witnessed this brutal war against our sisters – standing with families devastated by femicide, supporting survivors of rape and abuse, and demanding justice. Yet, time and time again, we are met with silence. If the femicide rate in our country increases by 33.8% in a single year, how much worse must it get before our government acts?”

– Sabrina Walter, Founder of Women For Change

A Collective Call to Action

Although this petition was launched by Women For Change, this fight belongs to every voice, every organisation, every business, and every South African who refuses to stand by while women and children continue to suffer.

In March 2025, Women For Change will deliver this petition to the Presidency, demanding immediate and decisive action, including:

✔ Funding the full implementation of the National Strategic Plan on GBVF
✔ Stronger laws and sentencing for perpetrators of rape, femicide, and child abuse
✔ Stricter bail conditions for accused people ✔ No parole for convicted GBVF offenders
✔ Public access to the National Sex Offenders Register
✔ Mandatory GBV education and policies in schools and workplaces

It’s time to fight for a South Africa where women, children and all marginalised people are safe, protected, and free. No more excuses. No more waiting. Enough has been said.

Sign and share the petition, CLICK HERE.

For media inquiries, interviews, or partnership opportunities, contact:
Sabrina Walter, Founder & Executive Director: sabrina@womenforchange.co.za