Hundreds of women dressed in black convened in a Johannesburg park on Friday, participating in a somber protest against gender-based violence in South Africa. This demonstration, a poignant 15-minute lie-down action, aimed to symbolize the tragic loss of 15 women lives each day due to gender violence in the nation, coinciding with the arrival of the G20 summit.
Despite South Africa promoting a progressive agenda on gender matters during its G20 presidency, the country faces a femicide rate that is five times higher than the global average, as reported by U.N. Women. This alarming statistic highlights a long-standing societal challenge.
“This protest is to honor every woman we have lost,” stated 19-year-old protest coordinator Courtney Gelderblom in an interview with The Associated Press. “For each minute we lay in silence, we mourn and acknowledge those who have fallen victim to this crisis.”
The event, organized by the nonprofit group Women for Change, engaged ordinary citizens, celebrities, and activists across various cities, all united in a call for action. Many participants were survivors of gender violence, expressing their grief and anger through placards that boldly proclaimed messages like “Why do you hate us?” and “My body is not your crime scene.”
In response to mounting pressure from the community and a petition that garnered over a million signatures, the South African government declared gender-based violence a national disaster on the same day as the protest. This declaration signals an urgent commitment to allocate resources and implement strategies to combat this pressing issue.
Addressing attendees at a civil society summit on the sidelines of the G20, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized the dire need to prioritize gender-based violence, stating it has reached the level of a national crisis.
Gender violence expert Professor Corné Davis-Buitendag highlighted the significance of timing the protest with the G20 meeting, underscoring that gender-based violence has far-reaching consequences on global development and economic stability. “It is crucial to elevate this issue on the agenda alongside other pressing matters, as its impact on society is profound,” she remarked.
While South Africa has made strides in creating legal frameworks to support victims, the persistent high rates of violence indicate a continued need for effective measures. The Women for Change petition calls for tougher stances on offenders, advocating for life sentences and greater accountability among law enforcement and judicial officials.
For ongoing updates on the G20 summit in South Africa, follow AP’s coverage.
