More than 600,000 South Africans have added their voice to various petitions and many are planning to attend marches in support against gender-based violence plaguing the country.

Incidents of violence against women and children have made headlines recently, most notably involving Vanderbijlpark pupil Amy-Lee de Jager, UCT student Uyinene Mrwetyana and boxing champion Leighandre “Baby Lee” Jegels.

Now, in a show of unity which South Africans are known for, groups are banding together to say enough is enough.

By Tuesday afternoon, a petition titled Bring Back The Death Sentence in SA For Crimes Against Women had obtained over 382,000 signatures, while another petition calling on Parliament to declare gender-based violence a state of emergency had more than 253,000 signatures, news organisations including News24 reported.

Thousands more had signalled their intent to attend rallies calling for an end to the violence.

My suggestion: we call in ‘woman’.

We pick a day and we don’t pitch up to work, school, whatever commitments.

‘Sorry, can’t come in, I’m tired of dealing with the constant fear of being a woman living in SA’#NoCountryForWomen 💔

— Janine J 💕 (@janine_j) September 2, 2019

Furthermore, a march to Parliament on September 21 calling to end femicide in South Africa is planned – and there are suggestions of a peaceful protest at the Cape Town International Convention Centre when international leaders and business people will gather at the World Economic Forum.

It’s in our unity that our true colours are shown, and South Africans are showing just that as they rise up and unite for a better country.

Are you attending a rally in support of women and children’s safety? Email us images at hello@goodnewsdaily.co.za or tag us on Facebook at @goodnewsdailysa 🇿🇦