South African social media feeds have been awash with purple profile pictures and heart emojis. But what's the story behind this vibrant display of online solidarity?
Women For Change: A Call to Action Against GBV
The colour change is spearheaded by Women For Change, an advocacy group demanding that gender-based violence (GBV) be declared a national disaster in South Africa. They've urged social media users to adopt purple as a symbol of their support for this crucial cause.
The movement culminated in a planned nationwide shutdown on Friday, November 21st, a day before the G20 Leaders' Summit. Women and members of the LGBTQI+ community were called upon to abstain from both paid and unpaid work, and to refrain from spending money, highlighting the significant economic and social impact of their absence.
A Powerful Demonstration
The shutdown included a poignant symbolic act: a 15-minute standstill at 12 pm, where participants lay down to honour the 15 women tragically murdered daily in South Africa. Demonstrators were encouraged to wear black as a sign of mourning and resistance, further amplifying the movement's message.
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has also added his voice to the growing chorus calling for an end to women abuse, emphasizing the need for collective action to address this crisis. Civil society movement Not-In-My-Name International has also thrown its weight behind calls for gender-based violence (GBV) a national disaster.
- Wear Black: To signify mourning and resistance.
- Purple Profile Picture: To show solidarity online.
- 15-Minute Standstill: Lie down at 12 pm to honour the victims.
The purple profile picture campaign serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to combat GBV and create a safer society for all South Africans.