Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) in South Africa remains a severe crisis, with over 4,000 women killed by men last year alone. With this alarming reality, Women For Change (WFC), a nationwide non-profit organisation (NPO), has been a crucial support system for survivors, offering advocacy and a voice to those silenced by violence. Despite their unwavering commitment and tireless efforts, WFC now stands on the brink of closure due to financial instability.

Rising Against Challenges

Women For Change initially gained recognition by hosting successful Women For Change Races between 2016 and 2019 to raise awareness against GBV. However, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 halted their events. Refusing to let their efforts against GBV die down, WFC turned to social media as a powerful tool for change. They began amplifying their message, sharing stories of South African women, and providing support to survivors on their journey.

Caption: Clareinch Post Office, Cape Town

The organisation’s reach has grown remarkably, boasting nearly 400,000 followers across all social media platforms. Each month, they assist over a thousand survivors, offering a safe space for healing and empowerment. In April 2024 alone, they garnered over 28 million impressions across social media channels. More than 1 million people engage with their content monthly, creating a supportive and active community. Yet, despite these impressive numbers, the organisation’s operations are threatened by a lack of sustainable funding.

“We’re Stretched to Our Limits”

“The funding challenge WFC faces is exceptionally dire. For the past four years, I have been running this organisation primarily on my own, without any external funding,” shares founder Sabrina Walter.

“Without funding, we can’t continue our work. We’re stretched to our limits. If we don’t secure funding by August 2024, we’ll be forced to cease operations, leaving countless survivors without the support they rely on.”

Despite these limitations, WFC has made significant strides. The emotional toll of the work is immense, yet the courage of survivors and their families keeps Walter inspired and motivated. Witnessing survivors achieve justice and reclaim their power brings immense pride, even though true justice often remains elusive.

Caption: In Front of Parliament, Cape Town – GBV March 2021

“I haven’t witnessed much justice, but I’ve seen resilience and strength. Many stories have become a part of me and inspire me to work harder,” says Walter. “We need more than just passion; we need resources to keep operating.”

Reflecting on the impact of WFC’s growth, she notes, “I did not know or plan for Women For Change to become one of the flagship organisations in the fight against GBV. Today, WFC has close to 400,000 followers across all our social media platforms, and I assist more than a thousand survivors every month.”

The Power of Collective Action

Without the allocation of funding or financial contributions, WFC will be forced to cease operations in the upcoming weeks, which would have devastating consequences for survivors, their families, and the community they serve. 

To help secure funding and hire the support of a full-time team, WFC has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, hoping to receive donations from compassionate individuals, philanthropists, and supportive corporates to provide the necessary resources to sustain the organisation and enable them to provide essential support to women and children in need.

Since the launch, over 156 unique and offline donors have come together to support WFC by contributing over R66,000 towards their fundraising goal of R800,000.

“Every donation can make a difference. We need the community’s support to keep our doors open,” urges Walter. “With enough donations, we can hire professionals who share our passion and continue to provide essential services.”

One of the most significant changes observed is the increase in individuals speaking out against GBV. WFC has created a safe and supportive environment where survivors feel empowered to share their stories, fostering a sense of community and collective strength. However, the stark reality of rising femicide and GBV statistics reminds us of the work still needed.

“I believe that on WFC accounts, more voices are being heard than ever before. We have not only encouraged survivors to speak out but have also fostered a sense of community and collective strength,” says Walter. “Many survivors no longer feel isolated with their pain and trauma; they know they are not alone.”

To support Women For Change, visit their BackaBuddy campaign:

https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/women-for-change

All donors are eligible for a Section 18A tax certificate issued by Women For Change.