The Women’s Nationwide Shutdown event was part of a nationwide protest against gender-based violence and femicide to symbolise the 15 murders of women every day in South Africa. Rapid funding support for front-line charities dealing with gender-based violence has been made even more urgent since the USAid funding cuts in January ⁠that left aid bodies reeling, rights groups say. Photograph: Emmanuel Croset/AFP/GettyBut activists note the distinction between Ramaphosa labelling gender-based violence a “national crisis” in 2019, and a “national disaster” this November. Awareness of gender-based violence, including topics on consent, bodily autonomy and gender equality, need to be implemented ‌in school curriculums, Walter added. While agreeing that children are not always prioritised in campaigns on gender-based violence, Walter sees them as part of the movement’s future.

Source: The Irish Times December 25, 2025 10:32 UTC