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South Africans are changing their profile pictures to purple ahead of the G20 Women’s Shutdown on 21 November 2025, a national campaign led by Women for Change SA to raise awareness about gender-based violence and femicide. Participants are urged to wear black, pause work and spending, and take part in a 15-minute standstill at noon.
Over the past week, many social media users across South Africa, including those in the Nelson Mandela Bay area, have updated their profile pictures with a purple background or filter. The change is part of a campaign led by Women for Change SA, a civil society organisation focused on gender-based violence (GBV) awareness and advocacy.
What the Campaign Involves
The initiative, called the G20 Women’s Shutdown, is scheduled for Friday, 21 November 2025. Participants are encouraged to:
- Withdraw from paid and unpaid work for the day
- Avoid economic activity as a form of peaceful protest
- Wear black and change their social media profile pictures to purple
- Take part in a 15-minute “standstill” at 12 pm to symbolically mark the number of women murdered daily in South Africa
The campaign aims to draw attention to gender-based violence and femicide in South Africa, and to highlight ongoing calls for action.
Why Purple?
Purple has long been used in movements related to women’s rights and GBV awareness, symbolising dignity, justice, and solidarity. In this campaign, it acts as a visual marker of participation and collective strength.
Local Context
Nelson Mandela Bay, like other parts of the Eastern Cape, continues to face high rates of gender-based violence. Local organisations and authorities have acknowledged the challenges of under-reporting and limited victim resources, while community-based interventions and rapid response services aim to close those gaps. Awareness and prevention campaigns remain key tools in addressing the issue — both online and on the ground.
Participation and Online Visibility
Changing a profile picture might seem small, but it’s a symbolic act of solidarity. It allows people who can’t physically join the shutdown to show support and help amplify the message. Men and non-binary people are also encouraged to participate through advocacy and awareness.
Key Dates
21 November 2025, G20 Women’s Shutdown
- Change your profile picture to purple
- Wear black
- Join the 15-minute national standstill at 12 pm
The campaign coincides with the G20 Summit taking place in South Africa, highlighting the urgency of addressing GBV alongside global economic discussions.
How to Take Part or Learn More
- Update your profile picture: Add a purple background or filter
- Wear black: On 21 November 2025
- Pause work and spending: Refrain from paid/unpaid work and economic activity
- Join the standstill: 12 pm, 15 minutes of reflection and solidarity
- Share awareness: Use #WomenShutdown on social media
- Find out more: Women for Change SA – G20 Women’s Shutdown
🟣 The purple wave is more than a filter — it’s a statement.
A quiet moment of unity that says South Africa’s women deserve safety, dignity, and change.
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