The Collective Strength of South African Women Is Forcing the World to Confront Gender-Based Violence

On November 21, 2025, South African streets became the focal point of global attention. As world leaders gathered in Johannesburg for the G20 Summit, South African women launched the G20 Women's Shutdown to send a powerful message: when women's lives and bodily autonomy are continuously eroded by gender-based violence, so-called economic growth and social progress lose their meaning. The protest, symbolized by women’s “absence,” reminded the world that gender-based violence (GBV) and the violation of women's bodily autonomy have long been entrenched in the daily lives of South African women, forcing the international community to confront this global issue that has been too long ignored.

1. Every 2.5 Hours, A Woman is Killed: Not a Crime Issue, But a National Disaster

South Africa, one of the world's most dangerous countries for women, is plagued by gender-based violence and femicide [1]. In 2019, South Africa ranked among the nations with the highest rates of female murder globally [2]. Countless cases exist, such as 19-year-old Uyenene Mwetiana, who was raped and murdered while collecting a parcel at the post office [3], and 30-year-old Ololato Mongale, killed by a man she had dated [4]. Statistics reveal that a woman is murdered every 2.5 hours in South Africa [5]. This staggering figure underscores the devastating impact of gender-based violence on South African society. The issue has transcended mere criminality, becoming a national catastrophe.

2. Rape and Domestic Violence: The Daily Fear of South African Women

In South Africa, women live every day under the shadow of rape and domestic violence. According to a report from the South African Police in June 2025, there were 10,630 recorded rape cases in just the first quarter of 2024/25, averaging 117 rapes per day [6]. Furthermore, the World Health Organizationestimates that nearly a third of South African women will experience physical or sexual violence by a partner in their lifetime [7]. This violence has permeated all aspects of society, leaving women not only threatened in public spaces but also unsafe in their private spaces.

1. Women for Change: More Than Just a Name

Women for Change is one of South Africa’s most influential non-profit organizations dedicated to combating gender-based violence and femicide. This women-led initiative has brought the reality of gender inequity into the global spotlight, making it impossible for the world to continue turning a blind eye. During the G20 Women’s Shutdown, Women for Change not only acted as the driving force but also united the voices of women globally, making it clear that gender-based violence is not just a national issue—it is a systemic injustice embedded in the global social fabric.

2. Why Focus the Protest on the Day Before the G20 Summit?

The protest was strategically planned for the day before the G20 summit because it directly challenged the “global progress narrative.” For years, the G20 has emphasizedeconomic growth, investment, and stability [8], yet it rarely addresses the most basic question: Can women live safely? South African women used this moment to highlight the harsh reality: when a country's women are still being killed, violated, and deprived of their bodily autonomy, the supposed economic development is simply a façade for deep-rooted inequality. “No women, no sustainable economy” is not just a slogan; it is a warning to world leaders—ignoring gender-based violence is ignoring the very core of the economic system: women’s labor, caregiving, and the social stability they provide.

3. Why Traditional Protests Are No Longer Enough to Be Seen

For decades, South African women’s protests against gender-based violence have faced indifference, delay, and empty promises. Traditional marches, petitions, and rallies no longer make an impact or break through the public’s apathy toward violence. That’s why the G20 Women’s Shutdown took amore disruptive approach. Women in 15 cities lay flat for 15 minutes, dressed in black, refusing to work, spend, or allow their contributions to be taken for granted [9]. This “economic shutdown” made it clear that women’s economic value is far more critical than society had previously acknowledged—whether in the home, workplace, caregiving systems, or national production. Through this action, women forced global leaders to confront the reality: in a society where gender inequity persists and GBV continues, there is no true progress.

1.Women's Bodily Autonomy Is More Than Just Reproductive Rights

Women’s bodily autonomy is not just about the right to choose reproduction; it encompasses the right to make choices about one’s body, sexual pleasure, and personal touch. The ability for women to control their bodies is a key factor in protecting them from gender-based violence. However, patriarchal systems in many societies, including South Africa, often restrict women's freedom through legal, cultural, and violent means.

2. How Patriarchal Societies Limit Women’s Bodily Autonomy

In many countries, especially in South Africa, women face the oppressive reality of bodily control and loss of freedom. Through legal systems, cultural traditions, and social violence, women’s bodies are seen as public property, and women lose their fundamental autonomy [10]. The suppression of women’s bodily autonomy is increasingly being discussed globally, particularly in international movements fighting gender inequity.

1. Strengthening Self Protection Awareness

To reclaim bodily autonomy, women must first strengthen their awareness of self-protection. Bodily autonomy means women should have the right to decide what happens to their bodies. Mastering self-defense skills is the foundation of this right. Women can enhance their sense of control and confidence through Psychotherapy, sexual health education, and self-defense training [11]. This inner strength helps them recognize and resist potential risks of violence and reduces the impact of gender-based violence.

2. Women helping each other

Beyond personal self-defense, the collective support of women globally is essential in restoring bodily autonomy. In the digital age, social platforms and online communities provide a powerful network where women can support each other, share experiences, and amplify their voices in the fight against gender-based violence. Mooliword, a global women’s network, not only offers a space for self-discovery and acceptance but also helps women around the world connect, share resources, and strategize collectively to combat violence.

Through the G20 Women's Shutdown, South African women sent a powerful message to the world: real social and economic progress can only occur when women’s safety is truly guaranteed. Gender-based violence and bodily autonomy are challenges that women around the world face, and the collective power of South African women is forcing the world to confront the urgency of these issues.

This action’s success has already led to a historic response—South African authorities declared gender-based violence a national disaster on Friday [12]. This move means the government will take more aggressive action and invest resources to combat GBV. This is not just a response to the voices of women; it marks a crucial step toward meaningful change.

Today, we will not remain silent. The world must take action to end violence and grant women true bodily autonomy. Only then can we create a safer, more equal future.

[1] Okoa Refuge. (n.d.). What is gender-based violence? Retrieved November 25, 2025, from What Is Gender-Based Violence? - Okoa Refuge

[2] Africa Health Organisation. (2020). Gender based violence fact sheet. Gender Based Violence Fact Sheet | Africa Health Organisation

[3] Frieze. (2025, October 10). Gabrielle Goliath’s inquiry into loss, memory and mourning. Gabrielle Goliath’s Inquiry into Loss, Memory and Mourning | Frieze

[4] South African Police Service. (2025, May 30). Statement on the murder of Ms Olorato Mongale, Lombardy West, Johannesburg [Press release]. https://www.saps.gov.za/newsroom/statement-mongale-2025-05-30

[5] South African Parliament. (2024, September 4). Media Statement: Police Committee Continues Deliberations on Latest Crime Statistics. Media Statement: Police Committee Continues Deliberations on Latest Crime Statistics - Parliament of South Africa

[6] Excellerate Services. (2025, June 23). South Africa’s crime landscape according to SAPS Q4 2024/2025 statistics. https://excellerateservices.co.za/news/201/south-africa039s-crime-landscape-according-to-saps-q4-20242025-statistics

[7] World Health Organization. (2025, November 19). Lifetime toll: 840 million women faced partner or sexual violence. Lifetime toll: 840 million women faced partner or sexual violence

[8] G20. (2016, September 5). G20 Leaders’ Communiqué – Hangzhou Summit. G20 Information Centre. 2016 Hangzhou Summit Communiqué

[9] Associated Press. (2025, November 26). Women in South Africa use G20 spotlight to protest violence. AP News. South African women protest gender-based violence ahead of G20 summit | AP News

[10] Understanding Patriarchal Control: Modes & Impacts on Women. (2022, December 1). The Law Institute. https://thelaw.institute/law-and-vulnerable-groups/understanding-patriarchal-control-modes-impacts-women/

[11] AndyG Self-Defense. (2025, August 5). Complete guide to self-defense training techniques. https://www.andygselfdefense.com/post/complete-guide-to-self-defense-training-techniques

[12] UN Women. (2025, November 21). South Africa’s G20 Women’s Shutdown: A turning point for ending gender-based violence and femicide. UN Women. South Africa’s G20 Women’s Shutdown – a turning pointfor ending gender-based violence and femicide? | UN Women – Headquarters

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