26 November 2025
The Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) observes the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign with a heavy heart and deep disappointment.
Year after year, we mark this campaign in sorrow. Despite ongoing efforts to end violence against women and children, senseless acts of abuse continue to sweep through our communities, destroying countless families and lives. President Cyril Ramaphosa recently declared Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) a national crisis at the G20 Social Summit last week.
Observed under the theme “Letsema: Men, Women, Boys and Girls Working Together to End GBVF,” this campaign reminds us that we cannot win the fight against GBVF without confronting its root causes. The theme calls for unity and collective responsibility by urging the society to work together in finding long-term solutions.
Too many women and children have died at the hands of individuals who refuse to live by the values of humanity, dignity and respect. FEDUSA is frustrated and angered of witnessing senseless abuse and violence against women and children especially when solutions and strategies already exist. FEDUSA reiterates that GBV has no place in our society and will not be tolerated.
FEDUSA has consistently called for the full implementation of the National Strategic Plan on GBVF, adopted in 2020 as a society wide programme to end gender-based violence and femicide.
The plan is structured around six pillars focused on preventing GBV, strengthening the criminal justice system, and providing support, care and healing for survivors.
FEDUSA has previously expressed profound dissatisfaction with the continuous prevalence of GBV, the sluggish response from authorities, and the frequent dismissal of cases of GBV.
This situation starkly highlights the systemic shortcomings in tackling this crisis, and it highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive reform in how GBV is handled to ensure that survivors obtain the justice and support they rightfully deserve.
FEDUSA further calls for justice for victims and survivors of GBVF, supported by a strong and effective justice system. We also demand the harshest possible punishment for perpetrators of GBVF, who continue to act as though they are above the law.
END.