South Africa has officially recognized its widespread gender-based violence (GBV) as a national disaster, highlighting the urgent need to protect women amid one of the world’s highest rates of femicide. The announcement comes as thousands of protesters staged demonstrations ahead of the G20 summit to demand immediate action.
In Johannesburg, participants dressed in black took part in a poignant “lie-in” protest, lying on the ground for 15 minutes to honor the 15 women killed daily in the country. UN Women reports that South African women face death from GBV at rates five times higher than the global average.
A 2022 government survey revealed that one in three women in South Africa has experienced physical violence, while nearly 10% have been subjected to sexual assault. Police logged over 10,700 rape cases in the first quarter of 2025 alone, though experts warn that the true figures are likely far higher.
Protesters emphasized the need for lasting change, not just symbolic actions. “We want justice for all women, not gestures timed for international appearances,” said student Nomhle Porogo.
The government’s disaster management agency stated that the ongoing threat to women’s lives meets the “threshold of a potential disaster,” making GBV a top priority across all government sectors. While the declaration is historic, activists stress that it must be accompanied by sustained, meaningful interventions.
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