Across South Africa, a powerful wave of purple is sweeping the nation. From iconic landmarks to social media profiles, individuals are coming together to show solidarity with the Women For Change movement, calling for gender-based violence (GBV) to be declared a national disaster. This vibrant campaign has gained extra momentum as it coincides with the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, observed annually from 25 November to 10 December.
This November, the movement has taken on a visually striking form: public spaces, buildings, and even homes are bathed in purple light, while countless South Africans have changed their profile pictures to the same hue. The colour purple has become a symbol of collective grief, defiance, and hope—uniting a nation determined to confront the urgent crisis of GBV.
Purple in Action
Landmarks such as Table Mountain and bridges in major cities have been illuminated in purple, creating striking images that reflect the scale of support for the movement. Across the country, purple marches, gatherings, and creative installations have popped up, highlighting the shared commitment to ending violence against women.
On social media, the movement has gained momentum as profiles turn purple, spreading awareness and sparking conversations about the severity of GBV. This digital wave of solidarity ensures that even those who cannot attend marches or events can participate and make their voices heard.
Why Purple?
The choice of purple is deliberate. It’s long been associated with dignity, courage, and justice, making it the perfect colour to convey both mourning for victims and determination to drive change. Through this symbolic colour, individuals signal their refusal to accept the systemic issues that have perpetuated violence and inequality.
A Timely Movement
The campaign’s alignment with the 16 Days of Activism adds extra weight and visibility. During this period, activists, organizations, and citizens alike focus on raising awareness, influencing policy, and demanding urgent action to protect women and children. The purple movement has arrived at the perfect time to amplify these efforts, ensuring that the conversation around GBV is impossible to ignore.
A Call to Action
Women For Change has called on South Africans to pause paid and unpaid labour on 21 November 2025, creating a “national shutdown” to demonstrate the economic and social impact of women and gender-diverse individuals. The campaign aims to ignite public and government action to declare GBV a national disaster—a step advocates say is crucial to addressing the crisis effectively.
The purple movement is more than just a visual statement. It’s a declaration that the country will no longer remain silent. Through colour, activism, and collective action, South Africans are standing together to demand justice, equality, and safety for all.
Join the Movement
You can participate by changing your profile picture to purple, attending local events, or amplifying the voices of activists on social media. Every gesture, big or small, contributes to making the nation’s fight against GBV visible and impossible to ignore.