Nowadays, advocacy is not limited to marches and large gatherings. People can also raise their voices online, using social media and digital platforms to create awareness, share information, and mobilise support.
Online activism can create real change because it spreads information quickly and connects large groups of people to the same cause. When issues are shared online, they attract attention and often push leaders, organisations, or governments to take action. These online conversations can lead to real-life results such as protests, community support, donations, or changes in policy. It also allows people who cannot join physical events to still take part and make their voices heard. In this way, online activism has become an important and effective way to influence society today.
Women For Change launched an online campaign to draw attention to the growing crisis of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) in South Africa. The movement highlights the urgent need for GBVF to be declared a national disaster, as the level of violence continues to rise across the country. As part of their call for action, Women For Change has announced a national shutdown on 21st of November 2025, encouraging South Africans to stand together and demand stronger protection, accountability, and real change.
This week, social media turned purple as South Africans united to take a stand against GBVF, changing their profile pictures to show solidarity with the movement. In less than a week, the petition calling for GBVF to be declared a national disaster reached one million signatures, proving the strength of public support. Although some critics dismissed the campaign as “just online hype,” many people took meaningful action by signing the petition, sharing information, and spreading awareness. Their efforts showed that online activism can inspire real participation and bring communities together in the fight against gender-based violence.
In the end, the rise of online activism shows that people do not need to be in the same place to make a difference. The purple movement and the number of signatures on the GBVF petition shows that social media can bring people together and inspire real action. Even though some may doubt online movements, this campaign shows that digital voices can be powerful and meaningful. As South Africans continue to speak out against GBVF, both online and in person, it is clear that everyone can help create change and work towards a safer future for all.
Formal statement by fray:
The fray group (frayintermedia, fraycollege, and fraymedia Foundation) stands in solidarity with Women For Change and supports the call for gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) to be declared a national disaster in South Africa.
We stand with the women and members of the LGBTQ+ community across South Africa who are assaulted, raped, and murdered every day. Gender-based violence in South Africa is at crisis levels and must be recognised as such.
GBVF is not just a social issue; it is a national crisis demanding urgent action. We join the Women for Change movement in calling on the South African government to declare GBVF a National Disaster. This declaration is critical to mobilising national resources, strengthening accountability, and ensuring the full implementation of the National Strategic Plan on GBVF and the National Council on GBVF Bill of 2024.
In support of this initiative, the fray group will offer free training opportunities to civil society organisations working on GBVF issues and to journalists reporting on GBVF. We will also share advocacy and reporting resources through our social media platforms and newsletters. Our goal is to empower partners to advocate and communicate about GBVF in ways that truly move the needle.
Stay connected with us on our social media accounts for updates on our activities in support of ending GBVF. You can also sign the petition to help declare GBVF a national disaster in South Africa.
Sign here: https://bit.ly/4oGGrvW
