Okay, we know Freedom Day was on the 27th of April, but hear us out. . .
While everyone was out celebrating freedom, we were reflecting on a tough question that’s way too easy to overlook: Are we really free?
Freedom Day marks the day we got rid of apartheid and stepped into a new chapter of democracy in South Africa. But here’s the thing: Freedom should feel good, right? The truth is, for too many women in this country, it doesn’t.
Because if we’re being real, the growing rate of gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa is holding us back from experiencing true freedom.
The Reality: Gender-Based Violence in South Africa
Let’s cut to the chase - GBV in South Africa is out of control. The numbers speak for themselves: One in five women has experienced physical violence from a partner. And femicide? It’s terrifying. In fact, a woman is murdered every three hours in South Africa, often by someone she knows.
So, while we were all out there living our best Freedom Day lives, celebrating the end of one kind of oppression, there’s still another one running rampant - violence against women. And that’s where the disconnect comes in.
Freedom or Fear?
Freedom Day is all about celebrating how far we’ve come, but for so many women in this country, the idea of freedom feels like a dream they’ll never get to live. It’s like we’re out here talking about freedom for all, but women are still living in fear - fear of being hurt, threatened, and even killed.
Imagine waking up every day and wondering if today’s the day you’ll face violence - whether it’s from someone close to you, a stranger, or even just being in the wrong place at the wrong time. How can we say we’re free when women’s basic rights to safety, respect, and equality are still being violated?
Why Does GBV Exist in a "Free" South Africa?
It’s not like South Africa hasn’t made progress - there’s been movement on gender equality, and laws to protect women have been put in place. But the real issue is way deeper than just having the right laws. It’s about culture and societal norms that still treat women as less than equal. It’s about patriarchy, misogyny, and toxic masculinity that run through our systems.
And then there’s the justice system, which, let’s be real, has failed women for far too long. Many cases go unpunished, and women are left feeling unheard, alone, and unsafe. The cycle continues because there’s a lack of proper support, education, and real accountability for the ones who cause harm.
But here's the thing: We’ve all got a part to play in this. We can’t just sit back and expect the government or NGOs to handle it all. It's on us, too. From speaking out when we see something isn’t right, to supporting victims of abuse, to changing the conversation around gender-based violence in our communities - it all matters.
What Can We Do?
We need more than just a day to reflect on the freedom we claim. We need a movement. South Africa needs stronger laws, harsher punishments, and a serious shift in how we think about gender-based violence. But let’s be real - none of this is going to change unless we change how we think and act.
It’s time to stop looking the other way. It’s time to speak up. To support the organizations doing the heavy lifting. To stand by the women around us and show them they’re not alone. It’s time to build a society where no one has to fear for their life just because they’re a woman.
True Freedom: More Than Just a Day
We need to keep the conversation going every day, not just on one specific date. Real freedom isn’t just about celebrating a moment in history - it’s about creating a future where every woman can live without fear.
This is about reclaiming true freedom: One where we stand together, support each other, and fight against the violence that steals the safety and dignity of women. Because freedom isn’t freedom unless it’s freedom for all.
Let’s make sure the fight for freedom never stops. And let’s make sure it starts with us.
