In South Africa, every day seems to bring another heartbreaking story of violence against women. Femicide has reached epidemic proportions in our country, and as a member of this community, I am constantly fearful for my safety and the safety of those I love. We are losing too many sisters, mothers, and friends to senseless violence, and it’s time we do something about it.

Statistics from the South African Police Service show a staggering increase in reported gender-based violence cases, with thousands of women becoming victims each year. According to a report by Africa Check, the femicide rate in South Africa is five times the global average, highlighting a crisis that demands immediate action.

To combat this pervasive threat, I propose we take a simple yet effective step: ensure every woman on campus has access to a pepper spray. Self-defense tools can serve as a deterrent and offer a sense of security, empowering women to protect themselves if needed.

By purchasing pepper sprays from local shops and distributing them for free on campuses, we can create safer environments for female students. However, to make this possible, I need to secure funding to cover the costs involved. I am reaching out to concerned citizens and potential funders to stand behind this initiative. Every signature on this petition represents a voice calling for action and a step towards creating a safer community for all.

Our objective is to not only reduce the risk of attacks but also to raise awareness about the severity of gender-based violence in South Africa. This initiative can serve as a model for other institutions facing similar crises.

Please sign this petition to support our appeal for funding. Together, we can make a powerful statement that every South African woman deserves to feel safe and protected.