2019 South African Women March Against Gender Violence

Name: 2019 South African Women March Against Gender Violence
Start: 1999-09-05
Location: Unspecified

Overview of the 2019 Women’s March in South Africa

On August 1, 2019, thousands of women in South Africa took to the streets in a powerful demonstration against the staggering rate of gender-based violence in the country. This march was prompted by a horrific spike in violence, where it was reported that at least 30 women were killed by their spouses in just one month, highlighting an urgent crisis affecting women's safety and rights in South Africa. The march aimed not only to raise awareness but also to demand action from the government and society as a whole.

The Initial Trigger for the March

The catalyst for this massive outpouring of grief and anger was a particularly violent and tragic month for women in South Africa. The news of so many women being murdered by intimate partners ignited a national outrage, as stories of victims like Uyinene Mrwetyana—a university student brutally killed—moved many to the brink. Protestors gathered outside the Union Buildings, the seat of the government, to voice their frustrations against the ongoing violence.

Voices of the Protest

The slogans that reverberated through the streets underscored the shared sentiment of the crowd: “Enough is enough!” and “My body, my choice!.” These chants captured the collective anger and sorrow about the deeply rooted issues of patriarchy and excessive violence which women face daily in South Africa. Activists quoted the phrase “They are killing us!” as a remembrance of those lost and a call for immediate change.

Impact and Government Response

The enormity of the march brought the issue of gender-based violence to the forefront of public discourse and placed immense pressure on the government to take decisive action. Following the march, calls for better policies, stricter laws, and more support services for victims began to circulate.

Government Promises

In response to the protest, the government pledged to address the concerns raised by the demonstrators. This included measures to enhance the legal framework regarding violence against women and improved support systems for survivors of abuse. However, many activists challenged the sincerity of these promises, insisting on accountability and long-term commitments rather than just temporary fixes.

The Ongoing Struggle Against Gender Violence

The 2019 women’s march was more than just a moment; it was part of a larger, ongoing struggle against the systemic violence faced by women in South Africa. Following this event, initiatives continued to emerge emphasizing education, community engagement, and mental health resources as vital components in combating gender violence at multiple levels. Activists remained vigilant, reminding society that the march was merely one step in a long journey towards real change.

Fun Fact

A Unique Symbol of Unity

The 2019 march coincided with the anniversary of the 1956 Women’s March against apartheid in South Africa, symbolizing a deep, historical connection in the struggle for justice and equality. This connection was marked by the participants’ use of the same venue, bridging past and present struggles for gender equality.