We offer free legal advice

The Legal Advice Unit plays a vital role in ensuring that women have access to justice that is both accessible and responsive, aligning with the organisation’s core focus areas. The unit is led by an advocate and supported by two paralegals who work directly with women, fostering a bridge between the organisation and communities. Operating nationally, the LAU receives daily inquiries from women across South Africa, whether through phone, in person, via email, or WhatsApp. Additionally, the LAU collaborates with community-level women’s groups, social and feminist movements, community-based advice offices, and activists.

We litigate

The WLC has won several precedent-setting cases that have improved womxn’s access to justice in South Africa.

Using strategic litigation (litigation that goes beyond a single case to advance a broader agenda) has proven to be a key strategy in developing feminist jurisprudence through precedent-setting cases. We litigate in our own name, in the public interest (such as on behalf of civil society organisations), on behalf of clients, or as a friend of the court (amicus curiae). Strategic litigation is often the best tool to advance a specific right or to challenge a discriminatory law or policy.

We educate

The WLC is committed to training the next generation of black womxn lawyers.

• Feminist Clinic

  The Women’s Legal Centre acknowledges the lack of feminist education and training within legal education frameworks at universities, which contributes to the absence of a gendered lens when addressing the barriers and discrimination faced by women in courts. Positioned uniquely, the Centre hosts a Feminist Clinic focused on helping young women entering the legal profession understand the significance of intersectional feminism as a critical tool for achieving true equality.

• Candidate Attorney Programme

  In the spirit of transformation and the development of skills for women who are interested in working in the feminist legal space we have a strong candidate attorney programme. This initiative provides hands-on experience, allowing participants to work closely with our Attorneys and Legal Advisors.

• Internship Programme

  By providing internship opportunities to young women studying law, we can influence how they view the law and will in future use it as a tool to advance the rights of women.

We advocate

Our work in this area includes written and oral submissions to the South African Parliament, regional and international human rights treaty bodies, and other relevant organisations.

We also participate in conferences, workshops, and discussions to advance our work on the rights of womxn. In addition, our media advocacy has proven a valuable tool in spreading our message and amplifying our reach through social and mainstream media.

We collaborate

We support womxn’s rights organisations and the broader feminist movement with the aim of strengthening womxn’s voices and advancing womxn’s rights.

By providing legal advice to the social justice sector, womxn’s organisations and civil society networks, nationally, regionally and internationally, we play a role in ensuring that the state and the private sector uphold their responsibilities in terms of the law and womxn’s rights.