NEWSLETTER | 2025 Highlights – A Look Back at a Year of Action

Before we become completely consumed by this New Year, here’s a snapshot of NSMSA’s 2025 highlights – it was a year marked by both urgency and impact in the fight against gender‑based violence and femicide (GBVF).

In this edition, we reflect on our continued advocacy for shelters that serve as critical gender-based violence (GBV) disruptors, at a time when GBVF has been declared a national disaster. Throughout 2025, NSMSA shone a spotlight on chronic funding shortfalls, harmful practices within the justice system, and the real consequences these failures have for survivors seeking safety and support.

We also launched a national fundraising campaign to help sustain the 24/7 National GBV Shelter Helpline – ensuring survivors have immediate, confidential access to safe accommodation and support whenever they need it.

From driving policy reform through the 5th GBV Shelter Indaba and amplifying African voices on global GBV platforms, to sharing survivor stories, safety resources and urgent calls to action, this newsletter captures the breadth of our work and the challenges that remain. As we move forward, these highlights remind us why sustained action, accountability and collective effort are essential to truly turn the tide against GBV.

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