Kenyans have joined South African social media in taking a striking new shade. Over the past few days, timelines across X, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok have been flooded with purple profile pictures, creating a wave of digital solidarity that’s impossible to scroll past.
Behind this sudden colour shift is a powerful movement: a call to declare gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) an emergency.
The campaign is being spearheaded by Women For Change, a well-known advocacy group that has spent years spotlighting the country’s GBV crisis. This time, they are mobilising South Africans ahead of a nationwide shutdown set for November 21st, just as their country prepares to host world leaders for the G20 Summit.
Purple has become the emblem of the moment. Supporters are encouraged to turn their profiles purple as a symbolic act of mourning, resistance and unity. For many who cannot physically join protests or take time off work, the profile-picture shift offers a visible way to stand with victims and survivors.
But the campaign goes far beyond imagery. Women For Change has urged South Africans to refrain from paid and unpaid labour on the shutdown day, wear black to honour victims, and participate in a midday “15-minute standstill” to represent the countless lives lost to femicide.
The movement is growing rapidly, fueled by frustration, grief and a collective exhaustion with a crisis that persists year after year. South Africa continues to record some of the highest GBV and femicide numbers globally, and activists say the issue demands urgent intervention at the highest level of government.
As the G20 summit draws international attention to the country, purple has become the digital protest banner carried by thousands. Each profile picture is a small but potent reminder of the voices demanding justice, safety and systemic change.
For now, purple is more than a colour. It’s a statement. It’s a warning. It’s a plea. And South Africans are painting the internet with it until they are heard.
BY queen serem
