In South Africa, 9 August is recognised as Women’s Day  a day meant to honour the courage of the 20,000 women who marched to the Union Buildings in 1956, protesting the apartheid pass laws. They stood united for dignity, freedom, and justice.

But nearly 70 years later, I find it hard to celebrate with messages and high teas. My heart is heavy.

The passing of Baby Nikita, 4 years old and a recent victim of abuse from Eldorado Park cannot be ignored. A child abused should affect all of us.

Every day, women and children in our country face unthinkable violence. The statistics are a wound we cannot ignore:
• A woman is murdered every 3 hours in South Africa.
• More than 1 in 3 women have experienced gender-based violence.
• Tens of thousands of children suffer abuse each year:  physical, sexual, emotional.
• Drug-related crimes are tearing families apart, leaving children vulnerable to predators.

These are not just numbers. They are mothers, daughters, sisters, sons. They are *our* people.

This Women’s Day, I choose not to celebrate, but to call for social justice. I will honour the women who came before us by refusing to accept a society where abuse, rape, and exploitation are normalised.

Hope SA Foundation stands up for the protection of our children and women  against GBV, abuse, and rape. We believe that real change starts when ordinary people take extraordinary action.

The South African Constitution promises that everyone has the right to freedom and security of the person, which includes the right to be free from all forms of violence. But these rights mean little when they are not enforced. Laws exist, yet they are not protecting those who need it most.

FIVE things we can do right now:

1. Show up. Join marches, vigils, and public events that demand change.

2. Speak out. Share survivor stories, challenge harmful attitudes, and make this crisis impossible to ignore.

3. Hold leaders accountable. Push for stronger laws and demand their enforcement.

4. Protect the vulnerable. Support shelters, safe houses, and rehabilitation centres. Report abuse when you see it.

5. Break the cycle. Know the signs beforehand and demand justice.

This is not a fight for one day a year,  it is a daily stand for justice, safety, and dignity.

If you’re ready to move from outrage to action, *join us*.

Let’s unite, lets march, let’s demand change, and let’s fight for a South Africa where women and children can live free from fear.

📩 Email: outreach@hopesa.org to collaborate.