The Durban University of Technology (DUT) has turned its logo purple in support of a powerful national campaign led by Women for Change, one of South Africa’s leading voices in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV).

DUT, through the DUT Gender Forum will unite the entire university community in a powerful act of solidarity by participating in a Women’s Shutdown on Friday, 21 November 2025 at 12:00.  To honour the lives of the 15 women lost daily in South Africa to GBV, DUT will come to a complete standstill for 15 minutes symbolising one minute for each woman lost. During this time, students, staff, and visitors across all campuses are encouraged to pause in silence, reflect, and recommit to the fight for safety, dignity and equality.

According to the DUT Gender Forum Deputy Chairperson, Ms Ronelle Lyson, DUT’s standstill will be supported by visual displays, reflection spaces, and messages of solidarity across all campuses under the campaign theme: “15 Minutes for 15 Women-Stand Still. Stand Together.”

She indicated that the Women for Change campaign forms part of DUT’s continued efforts to advance gender justice and community wellbeing, in alignment with the university’s ENVISION2030 strategy, which places People, Planet, Prosperity, and Partnerships at the centre of its vision for a sustainable, inclusive, and people-centred future.

“This campaign is more than a moment of silence; it is a moment of awakening. We want every member of the DUT community to understand that change begins with awareness, compassion, and collective action,” reiterated Ms Lyson.

The DUT Gender Forum also encourages all staff, students, alumni, and partners to sign the national Women for Change petition calling for stronger interventions to combat gender-based violence.

Sign the petition here: https://www.change.org/p/declare-gbvf-a-national-disaster-in-south-africa

Pictured: The DUT logo which was temporary turned purple in support of the Women for Change initiative.

Simangele Zuma/Ronelle Lyson