Sabrina Walter, the founder of Women For Change in South Africa, has been included in the 2026 TIME100 list, a global recognition of individuals driving meaningful impact across countries and communities.
The TIME100 highlights leaders whose work is influencing change at scale. Walter’s inclusion reflects the growing reach and influence of Women For Change, a movement that has become a prominent force in South Africa’s response to gender-based violence and femicide.
The organisation has combined digital mobilisation with on-the-ground advocacy, building one of the country’s most visible and active movements addressing violence against women and vulnerable communities. Central to this has been the Purple Movement, which brought national attention to the realities faced by survivors and families across the country.
This momentum extended into broader civic action, including a national shutdown during the G20 period, where activists and supporters called for stronger accountability, protection and systemic change. The mobilisation demonstrated the scale of public frustration, while reinforcing the role of coordinated civic pressure in shaping national discourse.
The movement’s efforts, alongside widespread public engagement, contributed to increasing pressure on government to respond more decisively to the crisis of gender-based violence. In 2025, this culminated in gender-based violence and femicide being classified as a National Disaster by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Beyond the numbers and milestones, the work of Women For Change has remained deeply rooted in lived experiences. The organisation continues to engage directly with survivors, families and communities, positioning itself not only as an advocacy platform but as a support system.
Reflecting on the recognition, Walter highlighted the collective nature of the moment:
“This recognition is not about one person. It reflects the voices of those who have been silenced for too long, and the collective effort to ensure those voices are heard.”
Her inclusion on the TIME100 list also signals growing global attention on grassroots movements emerging from South Africa and the broader Global South, particularly those addressing systemic social challenges.
Walter will attend the TIME100 Summit and Gala in New York, joining other global leaders and changemakers focused on shaping the future through impact-driven work.
For Women For Change, the recognition represents both validation and responsibility. As the movement continues to grow, the focus remains on translating awareness into action and ensuring that justice, protection and accountability follow.
The moment marks not just recognition, but a renewed commitment to building a South Africa where no one has to live in fear.
