23/11/2025
Catholic Women’s League Joins National 15-Minute Solidarity March in Summerstrand, Gqeberha
15 Locations, 15 Minutes of Silence
On 21 November 2025, the Catholic Women’s League of South Africa (CWL of SA) represented the Diocese of Port Elizabeth at the national silent protest organised by Women For Change. This peaceful action formed part of the organisation’s broader efforts leading up to the annual 10 Days of Activism, with CWL branches nationwide participating in advocacy activities over the past week.
As a movement present in 22 dioceses with more than 6000 members, the CWL remains deeply committed to confronting gender-based violence and femicide in South Africa. Guided by its handbook and mission, the League continues to raise its prophetic voice against the urgent social issues affecting women, children, and vulnerable persons.
Today’s 15-minute silent “lie-down”, held at midday, honoured the 15 women who lose their lives every day to gender-based violence in South Africa. Members of the CWL gathered along the Summerstrand promenade, one of the designated protest sites across the country, dressed in black and united in prayer.
Their silence carried a dual message: mourning for those whose lives have been taken, and hope for a society transformed through justice, accountability, and sustained action.
Shiela Thysse, National Chairperson of the Catholic Women’s League, reflected on the significance of the moment, saying that the emotion among participants was “tangible, silent yet prayerful”. She added that many crucial conversations were sparked among those in attendance, marking “the beginning of work that we all need to be a part of.”
Recent incidents involving students at Nelson Mandela University further deepened the urgency for public witness. Thysse emphasised that these tragedies compelled the CWL to “stand against the violence that women and girls face daily”. In response, Fr. Jerry Browne composed a special prayer titled An End to Violence Against Women, Children, and All Vulnerable People, offered in solidarity with those affected.
The Diocese of Port Elizabeth acknowledges with gratitude the leadership and courage shown by the CWL of SA. Their participation affirms the Church’s pastoral responsibility to accompany survivors, raise awareness, and advocate for systemic change to address the national crisis of gender-based violence and femicide.
As people of faith, we remain committed to praying and working for a South Africa where every woman and child can live in safety, peace, and God-given dignity.
The Catholic Women’s League’s motto is Charity, Work, and Loyalty, and guides its core mission. In every area of its outreach, the CWL continues to channel these values into meaningful advocacy, service, and solidarity with all God’s people.
