The National Children and Violence Trust (NCVT) has launched Purple Voices, a nationwide campaign aimed at shifting the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) from short-term awareness drives to year-round community engagement.

The initiative seeks to address what the Fourways-based organisation describes as a critical gap in GBV prevention: the lack of continuous, structured dialogue that challenges harmful social norms and promotes lasting behavioural change.

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According to Pretty Ndlovu, the chief executive officer of the organisation, Purple Voices will facilitate discussions in communities, schools and workplaces. Community dialogues will focus on harmful gender norms, positive masculinity, power dynamics and barriers to reporting abuse.

In schools, conversations will centre on consent, peer influence and learner safety, while workplace engagements will address harassment, bystander intervention, policy enforcement and accountability.

“The campaign will also include monthly dialogue sessions, youth leadership forums and storytelling platforms where survivors, young people, men and advocates can share their lived experiences to promote empathy and encourage action.”

Ndlovu said GBV prevention requires consistent engagement beyond annual campaigns.

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“Awareness alone is not enough. Gender-based violence persists because engagement is not continuous. Purple Voices is about creating safe, structured spaces for dialogue every day of the year, where communities can challenge harmful norms, strengthen accountability and commit to lasting behavioural change.

The campaign officially launched in July, while its first national dialogue activation is scheduled for November to coincide with the annual 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children.

To ensure the initiative reaches communities across the country, the organisation is appealing for support from the community and the private sector.

Ndlovu said sustainable funding will be key to expanding the programme and ensuring dialogues continue throughout the year.

“We are calling on businesses, organisations, and partners to invest in this initiative by sponsoring our community dialogues and helping us amplify these important conversations.”

NCVT, a South African non-profit organisation with more than 30 years of experience, provides psychosocial support, child protection services, trauma-informed counselling and violence prevention programmes, particularly in Gauteng.

For financial support please send an email to; fundraising@ncvt.co.za, alternatively contact – Renias Muwando on +27 73 775 6023

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