Under the backdrop of the G20, Women for Change is calling for a National Shutdown:
On Friday, 21 November, South African women will silence the nation.
We call on all women and members of the LGBTQI+ community across South Africa to refrain from all paid and unpaid work in workplaces, universities, and homes, and to spend no money for the entire day to demonstrate the economic and social impact of their absence.
Because until South Africa stops burying a woman every 2.5 hours, the G20 cannot speak of growth and progress.
We demand that Gender-Based Violence and Femicide be declared a National Disaster. Not tomorrow. Not at another summit. Now.
G20 Women’s Shutdown
During events and campaigns such as this, or the many sad stories that are highlighted every day in South Africa, many parents may wonder how to talk to their children about gender-based violence and femicide. These conversations are challenging but essential. Our children are growing up in a country where a woman is murdered every 2.5 hours, and silence is not protection—it’s complicity.
What can Parents do?
Age-Appropriate Conversations
Ages 3-7: Building Foundations of Respect
At this age, children are learning about boundaries, feelings, and how to treat others. Parents can focus on:
Body autonomy: Teach children that their bodies belong to them and they have the right to say no to unwanted touch, even from family members. You can model this by firstly, asking for consent before hugs or tickles and second, respecting your child’s choice if they don’t want to kiss Granny or Uncle Burt.
Feelings matter: Help them identify and express emotions. Use phrases like “I can see you’re upset” and teach them that everyone’s feelings deserve respect.
Kindness is not optional: When children are rough or mean, address it immediately. Explain that hurting others—whether physically or with words—is never acceptable. Children may not consider their impact on others, you can ask questions linked to how they would like it if they were on the receiving end of their roughness or mean behaviour.
Fairness in play: Challenge gender stereotypes early. Boys and girls can play with any toys, wear any colours, and express any emotions. Don’t tell boys to “be tough” or girls to “be nice.”
Ages 8-12: Understanding Power and Safety
Children in this age group are developing a stronger sense of justice and can understand more complex concepts:
What is violence? Explain that violence isn’t just hitting—it includes cruel words, controlling behaviour, threats, and making someone feel scared or small. This links to bullying, being othered (treated as the outcast or the undesirable), and shaming.
Recognizing unsafe situations: Teach them warning signs: when someone is being possessive, jealous, controlling, or disrespectful of boundaries. Use age-appropriate examples from their world.
Bystander intervention: Discuss what to do if they witness bullying or mean behaviour. Role-play scenarios where they can get help from a trusted adult. If they witnessed bullying, ask them what they could have done.
Media literacy: Watch shows or movies together and point out unhealthy relationship dynamics, jealousy portrayed as romance, or when “no” isn’t respected.
The Shutdown explained: You can tell children about the Women’s Shutdown in simple terms: “Many women in our country are hurt by violence. On Thursday, people are not working or shopping to show how important women are and to ask our leaders to keep women safe.”
Ages 13-18: Critical Conversations About Gender Violence
Teenagers need honest, direct conversations about gender-based violence:
Name the reality: Share the statistics. Explain that in South Africa, a woman is murdered every 2.5 hours. This isn’t abstract—it affects their teachers, neighbours, family members, and potentially them.
Healthy vs. unhealthy relationships: Discuss consent, mutual respect, equality, and communication. Explain that jealousy, control, checking phones, or isolating someone from friends are red flags, not signs of love.
Digital safety: Talk about sharing intimate images, online harassment, and cyber-stalking. Emphasize that these are forms of violence.
What to do if they or a friend need help: Provide concrete resources—helpline numbers, trusted adults, and useful resources like Childline. Make sure they know you’re a safe person to talk to without judgment.
Activism and awareness: Encourage them to participate in initiatives like the Women’s Shutdown. This gives them agency in fighting for change.
Moving Forward Together
The G20 Women’s Shutdown on 21 November is not just about one day of action—it’s about creating lasting change. As parents, we play a critical role in breaking cycles of violence by raising children who understand respect, equality, and dignity for all people.
Talk to your children. Participate in the Shutdown as a family. Wear black. Join the 15-minute standstill at noon. Change your profile pictures to purple. Show your children that standing against violence against women is not optional—it’s a moral imperative.
Because ultimately, the safety of our daughters and the character of our sons both depend on the conversations we’re brave enough to have today.
For more information about the G20 Women’s Shutdown, visit: womenforchange.co.za/g20-women-shutdown
If you or someone you need help, contact:
GBV Command Centre: 0800 428 428
Childline: 0800 055 555
Stop Gender Violence Helpline: 0800 150 150
One day. One message. Without women, South Africa stops.
