From July to September 2023 alone, South Africa recorded 10,516 rapes, 1,514 attempted murders, and 14,401 assaults against women. Alarmingly, femicide rates in the country are five times the global average. In response to this crisis, the South African government passed the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Femicide Bill into law on May 24, 2024. While this legislation marks a critical step in ensuring the safety of women and children, it builds on the long-standing efforts of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children—a global campaign adopted by South Africa in 1998 in alignment with United Nations (UN) efforts to eliminate gender-based violence (GBV).

Observed annually from November 25 to December 10, the campaign aims to confront South Africa’s persistent GBV challenges. It follows the UN’s 1993 Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women, which defined gender-based violence as any act of violence that causes or is likely to cause physical, sexual, or psychological harm to women. This includes threats, coercion, and deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or private spheres. The UN’s call to action emphasised the importance of uniting as a global community to address the widespread, harmful impact of GBV on human rights.

The South African government has made it clear that the fight against GBV requires collective action. Citizens are urged to become activists in their homes, workplaces, and communities by challenging the cultures and practices that perpetuate gender inequality and violence. Public participation can take many forms: rejecting and reporting abuse, refusing to protect perpetrators, signing the Pledge Against Gender-Based Violence, and supporting survivors. Additionally, promoting gender equality values with children, seeking help to address harmful behaviours like substance abuse, and being sensitive to the needs of GBV victims are all critical steps in combatting this epidemic. Ultimately, fighting GBV should be a lifelong commitment, not just a temporary campaign.

The 16 Days of Activism campaign plays a pivotal role in raising awareness about the importance of standing up against GBV and fostering empathy for victims and potential perpetrators alike. However, despite its importance, the movement faces significant opposition, often due to a lack of understanding about its far-reaching impact. GBV does not only affect the immediate victims but also has ripple effects throughout society. When a woman is abused, her children often bear the consequences, perpetuating a cycle of violence that stretches across generations. Yet, some resist the campaign’s message, failing to see that abuse is rooted in deeply ingrained values. The rise of anti-feminist movements, increasing violence against women human rights defenders, and the erosion of women’s rights globally highlight the backlash against efforts to combat gender-based violence.

As former Minister of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, Susan Shabangu, stated: “The brutal killings of women and children, despite laws in place to criminalise such behaviour, show that we must move from policy to action. There must be a stronger focus on prevention and early intervention to support women and children in this fight.” Minister Shabangu emphasised the role of government research institutions in conducting victimology research to identify and prevent violence early. However, she also stressed that reducing violence is a shared responsibility across South African society and cannot be achieved by the government alone.

The 16 Days of Activism is a call to action for all South African citizens, communities, and organisations to join forces in the fight against GBV. This year’s campaign urges active participation in educating others, spreading awareness, reporting cases of abuse, and supporting victims. Key dates during the campaign include:

• November 25 : International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
• November 29: International Women’s Human Rights Defenders Day
• December 1 : World AIDS Day
• December 3: International Day for Persons with Disabilities
• December 10: International Human Rights Day

These dates serve as focal points for reflection, advocacy, and action in the ongoing struggle to end gender-based violence. In the words of the UN, it is time for all of us to stand together, to support survivors, and to ensure that a future free from violence is within reach for women and children everywhere.

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Written by: Mpho Matlhabegoane

Edited by: Siphesihle Bhengu

Fact Checker: Iyana Masilela

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About the author:

Mpho (MrSir) Matlhabegoane is one of the A! Hub Writers. He became an Activator in 2019, and through Activate! Change Drivers, he underwent educational training with Programmes such as SWITCH Entrepreneurship Programme, National Mentorship Movement with Printing SA and Citizen Journalism with The University of Witwatersrand (Wits). He is a Mental Health Awareness Advocate, and to spread mental health awareness, he published three books that have been accepted by Gauteng Department of Education as of 2023, namely: The Story of MrSir (Word For The Record), Expanding The World Of Nerds, and Views and Emotions (Poetry Journal of MrSir).