Media Release: GRDM joins global 16 Days of Activism Campaign to end Gender-Based Violence and Femicide

For immediate release
25 November 2025

Officials from the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), women and men, joined the rest of the world in marking the start of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign earlier today. The campaign runs annually from 25 November to 10 December, and this year it is observed under the theme: “Letsema: Men, Women, Boys and Girls working together to end Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).”

This year marks the 27th anniversary of the campaign with its primary goal remaining to raise awareness, inspire action, and promote accountability in the fight to end gender-based violence. This year’s theme is anchored in the Positive Masculinity Dialogue, which will be hosted on the margins of the G20 Ministerial Meeting and builds on G20 outcomes related to GBVF.

On 18 November 2025, during the G20 Social Summit in Johannesburg, President Ramaphosa declared GBVF a national disaster in South Africa. This decision was officially welcomed by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa.

As the first African country to host the G20 host, South Africa placed the eradication of GBVF at the centre of the G20 Empowerment of Women Working Group’s agenda. The G20 Leaders’ Declaration further reinforced this commitment, highlighting global priorities such as sustainable development, equality, and the urgent need to address gender-based violence.

Today, GRDM officials, all dressed in black, gathered at the municipality’s parking area at the back of the head office. Special words of encouragement and support were shared by GRDM Councillors Ald. Nompumelelo Sumeia Ndayi (MMC for Corporate Services) and Cllr Clodia Lichaba. Rian Boshoff (Chief Financial Officer) and Deon Stoffels (Fire Chief), also delivered messages of support, emphasising that violence against women remains a major concern that requires a whole of society approach; a human rights crisis, affecting nearly one in three women in their lifetime.

In a demonstration of global solidarity and to pledge their commitment to ending violence against women and girls, as well as gender-based violence, officials painted their hands and left their handprints on a large poster. Following this, staff formed a large circle, joining hands in solidarity and support for the drive to end gender-based violence.

The campaign serves as a reminder that creating a safe and inclusive environment is everyone’s responsibility. During this period, staff are encouraged to start conversations about GBVF in its many forms, support one another, and reaffirm their commitment to fostering respect, equality, and dignity for all.

Other important commemorative days during this period include World AIDS Day on 1 December and the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December each year.

Did you know?

16 Days of Activism provides a platform for individuals and institutions to:

• Advocate for the rights and safety of women and girls
• Challenge harmful norms and inequalities
• Support survivors of violence
• Strengthen laws, policies, and systems that protect vulnerable groups

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