Today, Johannesburg is participating in a historic nationwide Women’s Shutdown, a peaceful protest designed to highlight South Africa’s ongoing Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) crisis. The city’s streets are quieter than usual as women, members of the LGBTQI+ community, and supporters step back from work, economic activity, and social routines to make their voices heard.
The protest is organised by the activist group Women for Change and coincides with South Africa hosting the G20 Summit in Johannesburg. The movement’s central demand is that the government officially declares GBV a national disaster, acknowledging the scale of the crisis and the urgent need for effective action.
How Residents Can Participate
The Women’s Shutdown is a decentralised protest that allows participation from homes, workplaces, and community spaces, making it accessible to all. Key ways to take part include:
Withdrawing Labour: Refrain from all paid and unpaid work for the day, including domestic chores, office work, and volunteering. Participants are encouraged to take leave from work or university to show the impact of women’s absence.
Economic Boycott: Avoid all spending to highlight the financial contributions women make to households, businesses, and the national economy.
15-Minute Silent Standstill: At 12:00 PM SAST, participants lie down in silence for 15 minutes to honour the estimated 15 women murdered daily in South Africa.
Wear Black: Black clothing is a symbol of mourning and resistance, uniting participants visually.
Online Solidarity: Change profile pictures to purple and use the hashtag #WomenShutdown to amplify the message on social media.
Johannesburg Gathering Points
While participation can occur anywhere safely, Women for Change has designated official gathering points in Johannesburg for the silent standstill:
Johannesburg Botanical Gardens (Randburg)
Constitutional Hill
Participants are encouraged to arrive by 11:30 AM to ensure the 15-minute lie-down begins precisely at noon. The gatherings are strictly peaceful and non-confrontational, with no formal marches planned.
The Broader Context
South Africa continues to face a severe GBVF crisis, with reports indicating that on average, 15 women are murdered every day. The Women’s Shutdown seeks to demonstrate the economic and social impact of women’s work, both paid and unpaid, while pressing for stronger governmental accountability.
The movement also emphasises inclusivity, inviting members of the LGBTQI+ community to join in solidarity, recognising that gender-based violence affects all marginalized groups.
Safety and Participation
Authorities urge participants to engage safely, especially when gathering in public spaces. Residents are advised to follow local safety protocols and remain aware of traffic disruptions in central Johannesburg, particularly with the G20 Summit currently taking place in the city.
How Joburg Residents Can Support
Even those who cannot attend the silent standstill or public gatherings can support the cause by:
Observing the 15-minute moment of silence at noon from home or work
Wearing black or purple clothing
Engaging in online activism using #WomenShutdown
Spreading awareness about GBVF and resources for survivors
This nationwide shutdown is a powerful reminder of the work still required to protect women and vulnerable communities in South Africa. Johannesburg’s participation underscores the city’s commitment to peaceful protest, social justice, and raising awareness about GBVF.
By stepping back from daily activities, residents are helping to make a visible, measurable impact, showing the government and society the value of women’s contributions and the urgent need for effective action against gender-based violence.