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1 August 2018 · South Africa

#TheTotalShutdown

We shut down South Africa to demand urgent government action against gender-based violence and femicide. An intersectional movement of women, marginalized genders and LGBTQIA+ people — across nine provinces and beyond.

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The Movement

A Nation Shut Down for Our Lives

On 1 August 2018 — the start of Women’s Month — South Africa witnessed one of its most powerful acts of collective protest. Organised primarily by grassroots activists through social media, #TheTotalShutdown brought tens of thousands of women, marginalized genders and LGBTQIA+ individuals into the streets across all nine provinces, and into solidarity marches in Botswana and Lesotho.

The main marches were exclusive to women and gender-nonconforming participants, with supportive men assigned auxiliary, non-frontline roles — a deliberate, intersectional statement that those most affected by gender-based violence must lead the fight against it.

Protesters delivered a 24-demand Memorandum to President Cyril Ramaphosa, Parliament and local government offices, demanding that the state treat femicide as the national emergency it is.

Our Demands

#24Demands: Our Memorandum

Delivered to the Presidency, Parliament and local offices, these were the core demands of the movement
— a blueprint for a state that protects everyone.

Not Fit for Purpose

In 2026, this campaign is the only possible step to advance the implementation of the NSP on GBVF
– a continuation of the work of #TheTotalShutdown and the #24Demands
VISIT #NOTFITFORPURPOSE WEBSITE
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The Fight Continues. Stand With Us.

GBV and femicide remain a national crisis. Whether you march, organise, donate or simply speak up — there is a place for you in this movement. Tell us how you want to get involved and we’ll be in touch.
Join marches, vigils and awareness campaigns in your province.
Volunteer as an organiser and help mobilise your community.
Partner with us as an organisation or amplify the cause online.

Need help now?

The Gender-Based Violence Command Centre is available 24/7: 0800 428 428