As the G20 Summit draws near, more and more people turn their profile pictures purple in support of women in South Africa. media update's Venelize de Lange explores what the upcoming GBV shutdown means for ethical, informed media coverage of sensitive issues, and how freelance writers and journalists can write about it.
On 21 November 2025, South Africans are called on to participate in a nationwide symbolic shutdown to raise awareness of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).
Organised by Women For Change, the action calls for GBVF to be declared a national disaster. At 12:00, participants are encouraged to engage in a 15-minute lie-down, representing the estimated average of 15 women killed daily in South Africa (five times higher than the global average).
What the Purple Movement Is and How It Works
The shutdown is not structured as a march or gather-in-person protest. Instead, participants are encouraged to:
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refrain from work and economic activity where possible
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wear black attire
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change profile images to purple on social platforms, and
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use social media hashtags (e.g. ‘#WomenShutdown') to increase visibility.
The initiative is survivor-centered and non-partisan. The movement has gained traction online and has received backing from several civil society groups and tertiary institutions.
Why the Shutdown Is Happening Now
The shutdown precedes the G20 Summit taking place in Johannesburg. Supporters note the timing as intended to draw national and international attention to GBVF. While existing legislation and strategy frameworks addressing GBV are in place, campaigners argue that implementation and resource allocation remain limited.
Government Response and Policy Considerations
Recent requests to classify GBVF as a national disaster were declined by the National Disaster Management Center, which stated that current legal definitions do not support such a classification. This decision has prompted mixed responses from advocacy groups and the public.
Why This Matters for Media
For media professionals, covering the shutdown carries both informational value and ethical responsibility. The topic requires sensitive reporting, prioritising accuracy, dignity and context. Media can play a meaningful role by:
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providing verified, contextual information that helps audiences understand the purpose of the shutdown and the policy considerations surrounding it
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ensuring that reporting avoids sensationalism, particularly when referencing statistics or lived experiences
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including expert insight, such as policy analysts or social development researchers to help clarify implications rather than narrate trauma
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upholding ethical interviewing practices, particularly when engaging directly with survivors or advocacy groups, and
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highlighting ongoing developments beyond the day of the shutdown, supporting sustained public awareness rather than episodic attention.
Accurate, thoughtful storytelling can support broader understanding of the systemic challenges related to GBVF without relying on emotional provocation.
As attention turns to the shutdown and the upcoming G20 Summit, continued media coverage that prioritises accuracy over impact may help shape informed public dialogue on GBVF going forward.
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*Image courtesy of Canva
**Information sourced from Forbes Africa, The Citizen, Women For Change, SAFP and ENCA