End femicide in South Africa now
The Issue
In South Africa, femicide has become an alarming crisis, threatening the lives of countless women and children every single day. We, the women, mothers, sisters, daughters, and grandmothers of this nation, are not demanding favours; we are fighting for our fundamental right to live without fear. The chilling reality is that the threat often comes from those in whom trust should be natural, men known to us, tasked with being protectors, yet who are as often the perpetrators.
The violence is relentless, leaving no woman or child safe, whether in the supposed sanctuary of home, the workplace, or even the streets. Every day, we grapple with the haunting question, "Am I next?", as gruesome murders continue to plague our communities. These pervasive acts of violence are tearing apart the fabric of our society, leaving emotional scars that affect generations.
In 2020, South Africa had one of the highest rates of femicide in the world, with a woman being killed every three hours, according to the Southern African Liaison Office. Despite numerous campaigns and calls for action, the justice system remains woefully inadequate, failing to protect the very individuals it was designed to safeguard.
We demand decisive and concrete actions from our government to combat this atrocity. Firstly, we call for the abolition of bail for individuals charged with gender-based violence, ensuring no freedom is temporarily granted to those who pose a continued threat. Secondly, life sentences must become the standard penalty for convicted perpetrators of femicide, providing justice and a deterrent to others.
Furthermore, the establishment of 24/7 Gender-Based Violence (GBV) desks at every South African Police Service (SAPS) station is critical. These desks should be properly staffed and equipped to offer immediate support and response to victims in their most vulnerable times. Additionally, secure funding for the development and maintenance of safe houses is necessary to provide sanctuary and rehabilitation for victims in need.
These solutions are not just requests but necessities that align with our fundamental human rights. We urge the South African government, law enforcement agencies, and community leaders to prioritize these changes. By signing this petition, you stand in solidarity with the women and children of South Africa, supporting a vital movement towards safety, justice, and equality. Together, we can end femicide and build a future where women and children live free from the threat of violence.
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The Issue
In South Africa, femicide has become an alarming crisis, threatening the lives of countless women and children every single day. We, the women, mothers, sisters, daughters, and grandmothers of this nation, are not demanding favours; we are fighting for our fundamental right to live without fear. The chilling reality is that the threat often comes from those in whom trust should be natural, men known to us, tasked with being protectors, yet who are as often the perpetrators.
The violence is relentless, leaving no woman or child safe, whether in the supposed sanctuary of home, the workplace, or even the streets. Every day, we grapple with the haunting question, "Am I next?", as gruesome murders continue to plague our communities. These pervasive acts of violence are tearing apart the fabric of our society, leaving emotional scars that affect generations.
In 2020, South Africa had one of the highest rates of femicide in the world, with a woman being killed every three hours, according to the Southern African Liaison Office. Despite numerous campaigns and calls for action, the justice system remains woefully inadequate, failing to protect the very individuals it was designed to safeguard.
We demand decisive and concrete actions from our government to combat this atrocity. Firstly, we call for the abolition of bail for individuals charged with gender-based violence, ensuring no freedom is temporarily granted to those who pose a continued threat. Secondly, life sentences must become the standard penalty for convicted perpetrators of femicide, providing justice and a deterrent to others.
Furthermore, the establishment of 24/7 Gender-Based Violence (GBV) desks at every South African Police Service (SAPS) station is critical. These desks should be properly staffed and equipped to offer immediate support and response to victims in their most vulnerable times. Additionally, secure funding for the development and maintenance of safe houses is necessary to provide sanctuary and rehabilitation for victims in need.
These solutions are not just requests but necessities that align with our fundamental human rights. We urge the South African government, law enforcement agencies, and community leaders to prioritize these changes. By signing this petition, you stand in solidarity with the women and children of South Africa, supporting a vital movement towards safety, justice, and equality. Together, we can end femicide and build a future where women and children live free from the threat of violence.
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Petition created on 15 September 2026