16 Days of Activism begins as SA battles GBVF crisis

Posted on November 25, 2025
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16 Days of Activism begins as SA battles GBVF crisis

Mapaballo Borotho

16 Days of Activism begins as SA battles GBVF crisis
Image @HSRC
  • South Africa has launched the 16 Days of Activism 2025 campaign under the theme Letsema, meaning “coming together for a common purpose.”
  • The campaign continues to raise awareness about the severe impact of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, now classified as a national disaster.
  • Government and stakeholders will host nationwide activities and dialogues aimed at strengthening collective efforts to fight GBVF.

The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children officially started on Tuesday, 25 November 2025. The campaign will end on December 10th, 2025.

The Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindiswe Chikunga, is set to launch the campaign in Midrand, Gauteng.

South Africa is observing this year’s campaign under the theme Letsema, which means “coming together for a common purpose” in Sesotho and Setswana.

This year marks the 27th anniversary of the campaign since its adoption. Over the years, it has raised awareness of the devastating impact that Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) has on women, children, and the social fabric of society.

It has also been used to highlight the societal and systemic causes of GBVF, while mobilising action at local, national, and international levels to eliminate all forms of gendered violence.

The scourge of Gender-Based Violence was recently declared a national disaster following pleas and protests from women who took to the streets in honour of those who died at the hands of men.

During the 16 Days period, government, civil society, and the private sector will host a series of community and sector dialogues and activities to foster a collaborative effort in dealing with GBVF.

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