South African women’s rights activists are mobilizing for nationwide protests to urge the government to declare gender-based violence (GBV) a national disaster. This call to action follows alarming statistics revealing South Africa as one of the most dangerous countries for women, with femicide rates five times higher than the global average. The movement, initiated online, has gained momentum with widespread support from celebrities, citizens, and international allies, symbolized by the adoption of purple—a color associated with GBV awareness—on social media profiles. The protests, organized by Women for Change, will culminate in a national ‘shutdown’ on Friday, coinciding with the G20 Summit in Johannesburg. Participants are encouraged to abstain from work or school, wear black as a sign of mourning, and observe a 15-minute silent tribute at noon local time. Despite the government’s 2019 declaration of GBV as a national crisis, activists argue that insufficient action has been taken. Women for Change spokesperson Cameron Kasambala criticized the lack of implementation of existing laws and called for greater transparency. Meanwhile, grassroots initiatives like Girls on Fire, founded by Lynette Oxeley, empower women through self-defense training and firearm ownership. However, the movement faces challenges, including employer backlash and systemic failures in the justice system. The protest underscores the urgent need for societal and governmental change to combat the pervasive culture of violence against women in South Africa.