Femicide and misogynoir in South Africa

We, the undersigned, are consumed by fear, anger, and desperation as we demand justice and protection for black women in South Africa. Thirty years into democracy, the scourge of femicide and Misogynoir continues to ravage our communities, leaving us shaken to our core.

The sheer brutality and frequency of these atrocities have instilled a deep-seated anxiety, making us question the value of black women's lives. We are now constantly haunted by the thought of losing our mothers, sisters, daughters, and friends to senseless violence.

In 2022, a 22-year-old woman was murdered by her partner in Limpopo, highlighting the urgent need for effective domestic violence interventions.

The recent kidnapping and murder of a 15-year-old girl in Gauteng is a tragic reminder of the dangers faced by women and girls in South Africa

In 2019, every 3 hours a woman was raped and killed.  

The rape stats for 2024 have gone up by 0.6%

what more needs to happen to call for actions? 

We are against:

- The systemic failure to address intersectional violence and discrimination

- The dehumanization and marginalization of black women

- The lack of effective policies and actions to prevent femicide and Misogynoir

We are for:

- Immediate action against femicide

- Effective policies and legislation to protect black women's lives and rights

- Increased funding for initiatives supporting black women's safety and empowerment

 
We demand that the country/government takes concrete steps to address this crisis, including:

 - Developing and implementing comprehensive policies to address and prevent femicide.

- Increasing funding for initiatives supporting black women's safety and empowerment

- Holding perpetrators accountable for their actions

Specifically, we demand that the farmers responsible for the brutal murders of Mariah Makgato and Kudzau Ndlovu be sentenced to lifelong imprisonment, such heinous crimes will not be tolerated in our society and community as women.

According to Dr. Nomalanga Mkhize, a gender-based violence researcher, 'femicide is a symptom of a broader societal problem that perpetuates gender inequality and patriarchy. As stated by the South African National Network on Violence Against Women, 'the government must take concrete steps to address the systemic issues driving femicide'

According to Professor Ruth Kibel, a gender-based violence expert, 'femicide is a manifestation of a deeply ingrained culture of misogyny and patriarchy'.-As stated by the South African Federation of Women Lawyers, 'the government's response to femicide has been woefully inadequate, and we demand more concrete action.

We urge the government to establish dedicated femicide units within the South African Police Service to ensure effective investigation and prosecution of these cases even if it means reopening old ones.  

Remembering Uyinene Mrwetyana, and all the black women who have been brutally murdered in South Africa. We demand justice for their families. 

Every signature on this petition represents a cry for help,and a demand for justice. We cannot afford to wait any longer. The lives of our loved ones depend on it.Sign this petition to demand justice and protection for black women in South Africa.