GBV Shutdown on the 21st: Why South Africans Are Turning Their Profiles Purple
- Skylark Social
- Nov 10, 2025
- 3 min read
South Africa is once again rallying against gender based violence (GBV), calling for a nationwide GBV Shutdown on the 21st. Across social media, people are changing their profile pictures to purple, a powerful symbol of unity, dignity, and the fight for justice. The colour purple has long been associated with anti-violence advocacy, and the movement aims to highlight the ongoing crisis of violence against women, children, and LGBTQIA+ people in the country.
This is not just another hashtag moment. It is a national call to stop normalising the loss of lives.
Why the Shutdown Is Happening
South Africa has one of the highest rates of GBV in the world. Reports continue to show rising femicide, domestic abuse, child abuse, and sexual violence. Communities, advocates, survivors, and allies are demanding:
Accountability from leadership
Stronger enforcement of existing laws
Safer processes for reporting abuse
Immediate protection for survivors
Long-term prevention programs
Education in schools and workplaces
The GBV Shutdown on the 21st is about making the crisis impossible to ignore.
The Meaning of Purple Profile Pictures
The surge of purple profile pictures is symbolic and strategic:
Purple represents courage, dignity, and resistance
It unites people across backgrounds, provinces, and political differences
It makes the movement visible both online and offline
It sparks conversation and awareness even among those who are usually silent
Changing a profile picture does not end violence. But visibility fuels momentum, and momentum fuels change.
It is also a simple way for people who cannot physically attend shutdown events to stand in solidarity.
How to Participate in the Shutdown
Not everyone can protest in the streets. The shutdown encourages participation at different levels, including:
1. Wear or Display Purple
Clothing, ribbons, banners, profile pictures. Visibility matters.
2. Share Information
Post statistics, personal reflections if safe to do so, helpline numbers, and survivor-led resources.
3. Support Survivors Respectfully
Center survivors. Avoid trauma-bait content. Do not pressure anyone to relive harm.
4. Donate to Local Organisations
Look for community-based shelters, legal support funds, and counselling services. These organisations are often underfunded and overloaded.
5. Refuse to Normalize Harm
Challenge jokes, comments, and behaviours that excuse abuse. Culture changes at conversation level.
Why This Matters Now
The GBV Shutdown is not a one-day event. It is part of an ongoing fight being led by community organisers, women’s rights groups, LGBTQIA+ networks, parents, teachers, students, and survivors who have been doing this labour for years.
The shutdown is about saying:
We see it.
We refuse it.
We will not be quiet.
If You Need Help or Someone You Know Needs Help
South African GBV Helpline (24/7): 0800 428 428
USSD: 1207867#
Shelter Helpline: 0800 150 150
Childline: 116
SAPs Emergency: 10111
If it is safe, reach out. If not, plan support quietly and carefully.
You are invited to take part.
Change your profile picture.
Wear purple.
Join a march if it is safe.
Share this blog.
Start the conversation in your circles.
Change starts with awareness, but it grows into accountability only when we act.
FAQ
Why the 21st?
The date was chosen by organisers to unify ongoing GBV awareness events and activism happening across the country.
Do I need to attend in person?
No. Online solidarity is valid and important.
Does changing a profile picture really help?
Yes. Visibility drives momentum, influence, and pressure. It is not the whole solution, but it is part of movement-building.
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