Archive · 21 Nov 2025
South Africa Declares Violence Against Women a National Disaster
South Africa has a big problem with violence against women.
So many women are hurt or killed that the government has said it's a serious emergency.
People protested to show how important this is, and they want the government to do more to help.
South Africa has one of the world's highest rates of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF)
Thousands protested ahead of the G20 summit to highlight the issue
Government survey found 1 in 3 women experienced physical violence and nearly 10% faced sexual violence
Government declares GBVF a national disaster, making it a priority for all organs of state
Protesters demand justice and question the timing of the declaration
- Who
- South African women, protesters, government
- What
- Protested against violence against women, declared GBVF a national disaster
- When
- Friday, ahead of the G20 summit on Saturday and Sunday
- Where
- Johannesburg, South Africa
- Why
- To raise awareness and demand action against violence against women
Government's Stance
Protesters' Stance
Declaration Timing
Government's Stance
Government declares GBVF a national disaster ahead of G20 summit
Protesters' Stance
Protesters question the timing, wanting action not just words
- GBVF Deaths
- Five times higher than global average
- Women Experiencing Physical Violence
- 1 in 3
- Women Experiencing Sexual Violence
- Nearly 10%
- Rape Cases Reported in 2025
- Over 10,700 in the first 3 months
- Protesters
- Thousands