FirstRand Volunteers Launches "MOVE IT" Challenge to Fight Gender-Based Violence with Employee Action and Purpose

FirstRand Volunteers (FRV) announces the launch of the Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) Move IT Challenge: Move with Purpose, a bold, movement-led activation designed to raise critical awareness and foster solidarity against gender-based violence and femicide within its internal community.  

Anchored in the theme "Move with Purpose," the campaign is part of FirstRand Volunteers broader commitment to social justice and employee engagement. On November 6, 2025, over 350 employees will gather at FirstRand’s head office to engage physically, emotionally, and socially, blending wellness, advocacy and narrative power to foster a culture of care and consciousness.  

The activation is built on the belief that action starts with movement. The day invites employees to engage under the banners of:

• WALK WITH PURPOSE
• RUN WITH PURPOSE
• DANCE WITH PURPOSE
• CYCLE WITH PURPOSE

Action with Purpose: The Strategic Imperative

"This is more than just a wellness initiative; it is a profound act of solidarity," said Kone Gugushe – Head of the FirstRand Foundation. "The GBVF Move IT Challenge embodies our brand promise of Action with Purpose and our commitment to increasing employee participation in FirstRand Volunteers initiatives. By encouraging our people to give their time and skills, we are providing them the opportunity to make a real difference and create a meaningful connection to the GBVF cause."

The event will drive awareness and education about GBVF through dedicated content boards featuring educational material and 10 compelling stories from beneficiaries.  

Strategic Partnerships Amplify Impact

The Move IT campaign highlights the vital work of two implementing partners who are on the front lines of the GBVF battle:

GBVF Response Fund: Established in 2021 to drive the National Strategic Plan on GBVF, this independent, multi-sectoral fund has already supported over 235 grassroots organisations and reached over 950,000 individuals. The Fund focuses on prevention, survivor support, and youth engagement, ensuring that every rand raised fuels dignity, safety, and hope.  

Memeza: A South African social innovation initiative, Memeza has become a trusted partner in community safety and GBVF response. Recognised for its grassroots impact and scalable technology, Memeza bridges the gap between underserved communities and formal policing systems.  Memeza designs alarm systems, panic buttons, and digital platforms that are accessible, affordable, and directly linked to SAPS and local responders.  Their tools and programmes are specifically tailored to protect women, children, and vulnerable households, ensuring rapid response and survivor dignity.  By collecting real-time crime data, Memeza strengthens accountability, informs policy, and drives systemic change.  

Activation Day Program Highlights

The day-long activation on November 6th will feature a dynamic hour-long programme from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM focused on the theme: “Awareness. Action. Accountability.” Speakers will include FirstRand Foundation Head Kone Gugushe, Dr. Thuli Mthwethwa from Memeza, and Ms. Koketso Rathumba from the GBVF Response Fund. They will offer context on the GBV crisis, technological safety models, and FirstRand Empowerment Fund strategic response.  

FirstRand Volunteers invites all employees to join the GBVF Move IT Challenge on November 6, 2025, and move with purpose toward a safer, more equitable South Africa. By walking, running, dancing, or cycling in solidarity, participants will not only amplify awareness and support for survivors but also strengthen partnerships with the GBVF Response Fund and Memeza, channelling collective action into lasting systemic change. Together, we affirm that every step taken is a stand against gender-based violence—empowering our communities, honouring our shared humanity, and fulfilling FirstRand’s promise of Action with Purpose.