This morning we all woke up to a flood of powerful tweets that were tagged #TotalShutDown accompanied by images of women, dressed in red and black, and marching to raise awareness about violence against women.
Total Shut Down will take place throughout Wednesday (01.08.18) and is calling businesses and individuals to join them in raising awareness of gender-based violence, by pausing economic activity from 1pm to 1.30pm.
We believe in women power, and love how South African women are standing in solidarity. Here are the most poignant Tweets about the #TotalShutDown march.
South African Women are marching against gender violence with #TotalShutDown protest.
Here’s everything you need to know: https://t.co/xbHjBV1sUh pic.twitter.com/SHOEFJPuW3
— OkayAfrica (@okayafrica) August 1, 2018
Director of Mikateko Media Ingrid Jones says, “Just because you aren’t a victim of gender violence, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t care”. #TotalShutDown @TeamNews24 pic.twitter.com/DU5nZq55HI
— Christina Pitt (@ChristinaPitt94) August 1, 2018
Organiser Misa Makwakwa Masokameng explains why it is important for women to participate in the march.
“It’s important for women to be here because this is our moment,” she says. #TotalShutDown @TeamNews24 pic.twitter.com/aZSTk0rkDr
— Christina Pitt (@ChristinaPitt94) August 1, 2018
As we commence #WomensMonth. Let us remember that we are strong, beautiful, intelligent and unique. Let us strive to fight against injustice, patriarchy and aim to push for gender equality. Happy #WomensMonth to all our GLAM readers. #TotalShutDown✊🏽✊🏽 pic.twitter.com/ZsDIztUMMS
— GLAMOUR South Africa (@GLAMOUR_sa) August 1, 2018
#TotalShutdown We stand against gender based violence.
” My body belongs to me ” pic.twitter.com/BSwBPLgrls
— Creative Chat HD (@creativechatSA) August 1, 2018
My body, my choice! #TheTotalShutDown #TotalShutdown #IWillMarch Our bodies are not your crime scenes! pic.twitter.com/CBzwY0VnO8
— #TheTotalShutdown (@WomenProtestSA) August 1, 2018
I support this March from where I am more so because just last week, my cousin was killed by his bf after abusing hee for a loong time. We’ll be laying her to rest this Sunday in Mabieskraal-NW @imanrappetti #TotalShutdown pic.twitter.com/bSuOtcntDG
— Kabelo Moremi (@kabzamoremi) August 1, 2018
If you or someone you know is involved in an emotionally or physically abusive relationship, know that there are places that offer help such as counseling, temporary shelter, and legal advice.
- People Opposed to Woman Abuse, or Powa – (011) 642-434/6
- Stop Gender Violence – 0800-150-150
- Childline South Africa – 0800-055-555
- Family and Marriage Association of SA, or Famsa – (011) 975-7106/7
- The Trauma Centre – (021) 465-7373
