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The WLC seeks to advance the struggle for equality for women, particularly black women, who suffer socio-economic disadvantage, through the promotion and development of human rights for women.
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In order to fulfill its objectives, the WLC will, free of charge:
Litigate cases which advance women's rights and are in the public interest, particularly constitutional cases; and produce briefs to assist courts in constitutional cases which concern women's rights and gender equality.
In addition, where resources permit, the WLC aims to provide women's organisations with technical legal assistance in making submissions to parliament and other institutions.
Our plans include strategies to provide training and capacity building programs for para-legals and women lawyers who wish to conduct constitutional litigation in regard to gender issues. We believe that there is a need to collaborate with women's organisations in all our activities.
OUR FOCUS AREAS
Fair access to resources - We will take up cases that ensure that on dissolution of partnerships, whether by death or separation, women receive a fair share of the assets of the partnership.This involves ensuring that all partnerships are legally recognised, irrespective of religion or custom.
Having a safe place to stay - We will take up cases that extend tenure to women in their own right and prevent the loss of tenure on dissolution of relationships.
Being well - We will continue to defend legal challenges to the right to makes choices around reproductive health, and to litigate to ensure that women have access to reproductive health care. We will take cases related to women's access to health care and the intersection between HIV/AIDS and our other strategic focus areas.
Being able to work - We will take up cases that extend employment protections to vulnerable groups; develop the law on sexual harassment in relation to farm and domestic workers and ensure equal opportunities in the workplace.
Being free of violence - We will take up cases that improve the access of women and girl children to State protection from gender based violence, particularly rape and domestic violence, as well as cases which result in increased protection for girl children from abuse in schools.
Principles which govern Litigation:
Any litigation conducted by the WLC should advance substantive equality for women. Substantive equality is advanced through litigation that seeks to improve the lives of women who have been disadvantaged by social and economic conditions. All litigation will be based on outcomes.
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The potential outcomes which could result from litigation include:
Discriminatory legislation is overturned
New jurisprudence is created
Existing jurisprudence is extended
The Court makes positive orders for enforcement of women's human rights
The Court orders the enactment of legislation advancing women's human rights
Litigation must have a wide impact. A substantial group of women must benefit from the outcome of a particular case. The WLC will endeavour to work with women's organisations in all its cases. All cases should have a good factual basis. Litigation will be conducted on behalf of women or organisations who lack the financial means to pay for legal costs. Other strategies will be explored to save costs, prior to litigation. Referrals to other law centres or clinics, legal aid or attorneys in private practice will be considered. As far as possible, the cost implications of potential litigation will be assessed in advance. Cases which are not directly related to our focus areas can only be taken on by WLC if, after heightened scrutiny, the Trustees agree to such litigation.
Board of Trustees
Shereen Mills- Chairperson
Shaamela Cassiem
Alison Tilley
Teboho Makhalemele
 Happy Masondo
Our staff
Jennifer Williams
Director
Hoodah Abrahms Fayker
Attorney
Cherith Sanger
Attorney
Jody Lee Fredericks
Legal Advisor
Aretha Louw
Litigation Secretary
Ingrid Johnson
Litigation Secretary
Sharon Brooks
Administrator
Nwabisa Ntshibelo
Receptionist
Estelle Malgas
Office Assistant
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