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Opinion

More than a 100 years later and women in the legal profession continue to seek substantiveequality in the workplace

The South African legal profession is complex and carries the burden of a patriarchal legacy

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Media Statement

The Western Cape High Court fails women on the eve of Human Rights Day

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CAPE TOWN: 20 March 2023 The Women’s Legal Centre Trust (WLCT) is

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Media Statement Press release

The WLC seeks to intervene in developing the common law for women in life partnerships.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CAPE TOWN: 20 January 2023 The WLC seeks to intervene in developing

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Media Statement Press release

Challenging The Laws Which Serve To Silence Victims Of Sexual Violence And Their Supporters

The Women’s Legal Centre challenges the constitutionality of certain provisions of the Criminal Procedure Act

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Media Statement Press release

UNiTE! Activism To End Violence Against Women And Girls!

For the next 16 Days the Women’s Legal Centre will join the global community in

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Press release

High Court upholds women’s rights to make decisions about their reproductive health

TT & BM vs MINISTER OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT & OTHERS – CASE NO 43969/2020 –

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Annual Report

Annual Report 2021

Creating The Future In The Present – The Feminist Revolution Continues And Must Continue Twenty-seven

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Opinion

Advancing Access To Maintenance For Women In Permanent Life Partnerships

Charlene May and Mandi Mudarikwa unpack the Bwanya Judgement, which points to women in our

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Media Statement Press release

Victory: Abdullah and WLCT v The City of Cape Town

In what can only be described as a victory for poor and working class women

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Media Statement Press release

MEDIA STATEMENT: Abdullah and WLCT v The City of Cape Town

The Women’s Legal Centre will be appearing in the Western Cape High Court sitting as

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Media Statement Opinion

#PatrickMustFall: Empty Promises – Empty Pots

On Monday 8 August 2022, over 50 working-class women from across the Cape Flats will

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Media Statement Press release

Women’s Legal Centre Launches Academy for Future Female Litigators

The Women’s Legal Centre (WLC) launched an intensive three-week training programme for law students from

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Media Statement Press release

Social Justice Coalition and Others v Minister of Police and Others (Women’s Legal Centre as Fifth Respondent) Constitutional Court

On 19 July 2022, the Constitutional Court handed down judgment in an application brought by

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Media Statement Press release

Unlawful and Unconstitutional State Interference in the right to place a Child(Ren) for Adoption

On 20 and 21 July 2022 the Johannesburg High Court will hear an application brought

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Media Statement Press release

Victory for Muslim women as Constitutional Court judgment recognises their right to equal protection in marriage

The Women’s Legal Centre (WLC) is elated in welcoming the judgment handed down by the

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Media Statement Press release

Safeguarding access to safe and legal abortions: Voice of Unborn Baby

In a country where access to abortion and other sexual and reproductive health care services

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Public Statement:

How To Access Abortion Facilities In South Africa

The Women's Legal Centre has compiled information booklets on how to access abortion facilities in

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Media Statement Press release

Workers’ Day: How does the new Harassment Code impact womxn at work?

The purpose of the Harassment Code is to ensure that South African workplaces comply with

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Media Statement Press release

High Court vindicates women’s rights to speak about their rape experience as a critical way to combat the scourge of violence against women

The Women’s Legal Centre is inspired by the judgement handed down by the Western Cape

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Opinion

Apex court judgment enables opposite-sex life partners to inherit intestate

Through our work as the Women’s Legal Centre, we are all too aware that simply

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Opinion

Magistrate’s Courts fail to protect womxn who survive violence

Violence against women remains a pandemic in South Africa, and when women experience domestic violence,

Read More

Media Statement Press release

Seeking to have the system used by the SAPS to determine the allocation of their human resources recognise the impact of violent crimes on women

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CAPE TOWN: 1 February 2022 Seeking to have the system used by the

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Annual Report

Annual Report 2020

Read all about our successes, the lessons we learned and our plans for the future

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Annual Report

Annual Report 2018/2019

Read all about our successes, the lessons we learned and our plans for the future

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Annual Report

Annual Report 2015

Read all about our successes, the lessons we learned and our plans for the future

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Annual Report

Annual report 2012

Read all about our successes, the lessons we learned and our plans for the future

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Media Statement Press release

Victory for women in opposite sex domestic partnerships

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CAPE TOWN: 04 January 2022 Victory for women in opposite sex domestic

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Media Statement Press release

Women’s Legal Centre to challenge the Criminal Procedure Act

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CAPE TOWN: 12 December 2021 The Women’s Legal Centre will be appearing

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Media Statement Press release

Gender equality still lacking in the South African legal field

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE A report commissioned by the Western Cape branch of the National Association

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Press release

Campaigners petition UN to investigate racial and gender discrimination in global COVID-19 vaccine roll-out

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 10 November, 2021 Campaigners petition UN to investigate racial and gender discrimination

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Press release

Religious freedom does not mean the right to discriminate

CAPE TOWN: 09 November 2021 The constitutional guarantee of freedom of religion is not a

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Press release

CAPE TOWN: 01 November 2021

SOUTH AFRICA’S CIVIL SOCIETY SHADOW REPORTING 5TH PERIODIC REVIEW ON THE CONVENTION ON ELIMINATION OF

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Media Statement Press release

WLC to appeal order gagging a womxn from speaking about her rape to anyone

CAPE TOWN:  19 October 2021 The Women’s Legal Centre will be appearing in the Western

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Media Statement Public Statement:

WLC supports liberalisation of abortion laws in Namibia

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Today we stand in solidarity with our sister organisation in Namibia, the

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Opinion

Separate marriage laws marginalise LGBTQIA+ people

Continuing with South Africa’s current separate marriage dispensation reinforces the marginalisation and stigmatisation of LGBTQIA+

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Opinion

Why customary marriage registration matters for South African womxn

The Women’s Legal Centre strongly believes that if we want womxn in South Africa to

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Press release

The WLC encouraged by WCHC landmark decision against an interdict seeking to silence rape survivor

CAPE TOWN: 30 August 2021 The WLC encouraged by WCHC landmark decision against an interdict

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Media Statement

Statement on hateful comments made during case on the recognition of Muslim marriages.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 05 August 2021 At the start of the hearing of our case,

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Opinion

Beyond the altar: Addressing the legacy of who is deserving of relationship recognition

If the state is committed to reforming South Africa’s family law in a manner that

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Press release

Constitutional Court decision in Qwelane case is a win for womxn’s rights in South Africa

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 30 July 2021 Constitutional Court decision in Qwelane case is a win

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Press release

Women’s Legal Centre admitted as friend of the court in landmark case addressing the public naming of sexual violence perpetrators

CAPE TOWN: The Women’s Legal Centre (WLC) welcomes the decision made by the Western Cape

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Opinion

We need feminist places of work: How ILO Convention 190 can help to get us there

This Worker’s Day the Women’s Legal Centre joins womxn around the world in urging their

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Media Statement Press release

Joint Press Statement: Women’s Legal Centre, Sexual and Reproductive Justice Coalition of South Africa and Legal Resources Centre

Joint Press Statement: Women’s Legal Centre, Sexual and Reproductive Justice Coalition of South Africa and

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Media Statement Press release Public Statement:

Joint Press Statement: Global Gag Rule Rescinded

  Joint Press Statement: Global Gag Rule Rescinded Women’s Legal Centre and Legal Resources Centre

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Media Statement Press release Public Statement:

IN REMEMBRANCE OF DONNA GAIL FORTUIN

6 January 2021 IN REMEMBRANCE OF DONNA GAIL FORTUIN 1980 – 2021 It is with

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Media Statement Public Statement:

The Supreme Court of Appeal affirms the obligation of the state to take steps to recognise Muslim marriages in South Africa

The Supreme Court of Appeal affirms the obligation of the state to take steps to

Read More

Media Statement Public Statement:

Towards a compassionate feminist society

Towards a compassionate feminist society Statement by the Women’s Legal Centre (WLC) on Reconciliation Day,

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Public Statement:

365 Days of Protecting Womxn

365 Days of Protecting Womxn Cape Town, 26 November 2020 – The Women’s Legal Centre

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Press release

The Mahlangu Case and The Recognition of Women’s Work as Work

The Mahlangu Case and The Recognition of Women’s Work as Work This judgment realises the

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Opinion

Victory for opposite-sex couples in domestic partnerships, but the fight for equality continues

Victory for opposite-sex couples in domestic partnerships, but the fight for equality continues Couples living

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Media Statement Public Statement:

The Recognition of Muslim Marriages in South Africa

The Recognition of Muslim Marriages in South Africa The Women’s Legal Centre (WLC) was back

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Media Statement Public Statement:

The Bwanya Statement

The Bwanya Statement A win for #equalityinrelationships Cape Town, 30 September 2020 – The Women’s

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Public Statement:

National Wills Week 26 – 30 October 2020

National Wills Week 26 – 30 October 2020 The Women’s Legal Centre, in partnership with

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Opinion

Misogynistic Hate Speech Undermines Equality for Womxn

Misogynistic Hate Speech Undermines Equality for Womxn South Africa is a deeply unequal society in

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Media Statement Press release Public Statement:

Another delay, but a key concession in realising Muslim women’s rights in marriage

Another delay, but a key concession in realising Muslim women’s rights in marriage The Women’s

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Opinion

Women’s Day:  We are the feminist leadership we have been waiting for

Women’s Day:  We are the feminist leadership we have been waiting for International Women’s Day

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Media Statement

Protecting Safe Access To Sexual And Reproductive Health Services During Covid-19

Protecting Safe Access To Sexual And Reproductive Health Services During Covid-19 The Women’s Legal Centre,

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Opinion

It is time for our Government to take heed of the lived realities of womxn farmworkers

It is time for our Government to take heed of the lived realities of womxn

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Public Statement:

THE WOMEN’S LEGAL CENTRE REMAINS DEDICATED TO THE ADVANCEMENT OF GENDER EQUALITY DURING COVID-19

THE WOMEN’S LEGAL CENTRE REMAINS DEDICATED TO THE ADVANCEMENT OF GENDER EQUALITY DURING COVID-19 At

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Opinion

STRANDFONTEIN SHELTER SHOWS IMPORTANCE OF MONITORING WOMXN’S RIGHTS DURING A CRISIS

Strandfontein shelter shows importance of monitoring womxn’s rights during a crisis  Our government’s COVID-19 response

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Public Statement:

WLC’s objection to the City of Cape Town’s Streets, Public Places and the Prevention of Noise Nuisances By-law

WLC’s objection to the City of Cape Town’s Streets, Public Places and the Prevention of

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Public Statement:

Poverty, Social Relief & Economic Recovery. A toolkit by the Women’s Legal Centre.

Poverty, Social Relief & Economic Recovery. A toolkit by the Women’s Legal Centre. The unprecedented

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Media Statement

PROTECTING SAFE ACCESS TO SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH SERVICES DURING COVID-19

PROTECTING SAFE ACCESS TO SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH SERVICES DURING COVID-19 The Women’s Legal Centre,

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Press release

The Women’s Legal Centre operational despite Covid-19

The Women’s Legal Centre operational despite Covid-19 Covid-19 continues to wreak havoc globally forcing people

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Media Statement

WOMEN’S LEGAL CENTRE’S WORKERS’ DAY STATEMENT

WOMEN’S LEGAL CENTRE’S WORKERS’ DAY STATEMENT The need to commemorate and celebrate Workers’ Day is

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Public Statement:

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS IN RESPECT OF SAPS DURING THE LOCKDOWN:

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS IN RESPECT OF SAPS DURING THE LOCKDOWN: During this period, while we

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Public Statement:

Know Your Rights: Labour Laws in Effect During Lockdown

The Covid-19 virus has placed our society in a completely new state of existence and

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Opinion

COVID-19 through a gendered, Feminist and human rights lens. What does Corona virus mean to womxn in South Africa.

The Women’s Legal Centre reflects after President Ramaphosa addresses the nation for the third time

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Media Statement

Media Statement: Human Rights Day: Looking Back, Moving Forward 21 March 2019

MEDIA STATEMENT: HUMAN RIGHTS DAY: LOOKING BACK, MOVING FORWARD 21 March 2019 Equality is one of

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Media Statement

Media Statement: Stop the Silencing of Womxn Victims 18 March 2019

MEDIA STATEMENT: STOP THE SILENCING OF WOMXN VICTIMS 18 March 2019 On 13 March 2019,

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Public Statement:

Public Statement: Women Who Testified in the Equal Education Enquiry on Sexual Harassment Speak

Public Statement Women Who Testified in the Equal Education Enquiry on Sexual Harassment Speak We

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Media Statement

Media Statement: Justice for the families of the CTCHC housing scheme

Media Statement Justice for the families of the CTCHC housing scheme Women have historically been

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Media Statement

Women’s Legal Centre Statement: Satchwell Report in Equal Education Inquiry disregards sexual harassment complainants

Media Statement Satchwell Report in Equal Education Inquiry disregards sexual harassment complainants: In August 2018

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Media Statement

Statement – WLCT v President of the Republic of South Africa & Others

Media Statement Women’s Legal Centre Trust v President of the Republic of South Africa &

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Media Statement

Moosa NO and others v Minister of Justice and Correctional Services and others

Media Statement Moosa NO and others v Minister of Justice and Correctional Services and others

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Media Statement

Levenstein and Others v Estate of the Late Sidney Lewis Frankel and Others

Media Statement Levenstein and Others v Estate of the Late Sidney Lewis Frankel and Others

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Media Statement

Statement – Voice of the Unborn Baby – 1 June 2018

Media Statement Sexual and Reproductive Justice Coalition members apply to join as a friend of

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Media Statement

Court case seeks to the end the prescription of sexual offences.

Media Statement Sexual Harassment in the Social Justice Sector The Women’s Legal Centre is an

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Media Statement

Western Cape Education Department & another v S (Women’s Legal Centre as Amicus Curiae)

Media Statement Head of Department: Western Cape Education Department & another v S (Women’s Legal

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Press release

Levenstein (and 7 others) and Sidney Frankel

Media Release LEVENSTEIN & 7 OTHERS /SIDNEY FRANKEL & OTHERS 170/17 (CC ): PARTIES TO

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Media Statement

We are shocked at the arrest of our colleagues by the Tanzanian Police

Media Statement Issued by CHESA and ISLA. 20 October 2017, Dar-es-salaam, Tanzania: On Tuesday, 17

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Press release

President dismiss Mduduzi Manan

Media Release President dismiss Mduduzi Manana – The WLC requests President dismiss Mduduzi Manana, failing this,

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Press release

Harnaker Matter: The Irony Of The Law In Regards To Muslim Marriages

Press Release Harnaker Matter: The Irony Of The Law In Regards To Muslim Marriages On

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Press release

Why impunity must end?

Press Release Deputy Minister’s attack on women highlights why impunity must end. Tuesday 08 August

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Press release

Parliament must dismiss Mr Mduduzi Manana

Media Release Parliament must dismiss Mr Mduduzi Manana as an MP, to send a clear

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Opinion

#PoliceResources and how the case affects women

Opinion #PoliceResources and how the case affects women Article by Janie Booth Khayelitsha has one

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Opinion

The Constitutional Court Reinforces Spatial Violence

Opinion The Constitutional Court Reinforces Spatial Violence Created By South Africa’s Apartheid Past The Constitutional

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Opinion

HOW STATE CAPTURE AFFECTS WOMEN

Opinion HOW STATE CAPTURE AFFECTS WOMEN By Janie Booth and Victoria Wang State capture refers

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Opinion

UPDATES ON STATE CAPTURE IN SOUTH AFRICA.

Opinion CHECKING THE NEWS EACH MORNING BRINGS A CONTINUOUS STREAM OF UPDATES ON STATE CAPTURE

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Opinion

State Capture – How does it work?

Opinion State Capture – How does it work? We encounter poverty every day. When we

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Opinion

Sex work in South Africa must be decriminalised

Opinion Sex work in South Africa must be decriminalised —in a democratic society, this cannot

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Media Statement

Court case seeks to the end the prescription of sexual offences.

Media Statement Court case seeks to the end the prescription of sexual offences. Today 22

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Opinion

A SUMMARY OF THE STATE CAPACITY

Opinion A SUMMARY OF THE STATE CAPACITY RESEARCH PROJECT’S REPORT ON STATE CAPTURE By Victoria

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Press release

Will women in customary marriages have equal right to property

Press Release Will women in customary marriages have equal right to property On Tuesday 16

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Media Statement

to honour our late leader Ahmed Kathrada

Media Statement To honour our late leader Ahmed Kathrada Thursday 06 April 2017; In President

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Opinion

An integrated plan to curb taxi rapes

Opinion An integrated plan to curb taxi rapes should be driven from the top—by government.

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Media Statement

New date agreed by the parties in the recognition of Muslim marriages class action

Media Statement New date agreed by the parties in the recognition of Muslim marriages class

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Media Statement

failure to recognise Muslim marriages

Media Statement To recognise Muslim marriages On Monday 20 March 2017, the day before Human

Read More

Annual Report

Annual Report 2021

Creating The Future In The Present – The Feminist Revolution Continues And Must Continue Twenty-seven

Read More

Annual Report

Annual Report 2020

Read all about our successes, the lessons we learned and our plans for the future

Read More

Annual Report

Annual Report 2018/2019

Read all about our successes, the lessons we learned and our plans for the future

Read More

Annual Report

Annual Report 2015

Read all about our successes, the lessons we learned and our plans for the future

Read More

Annual Report

Annual report 2012

Read all about our successes, the lessons we learned and our plans for the future

Read More

Media Statement

The Western Cape High Court fails women on the eve of Human Rights Day

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CAPE TOWN: 20 March 2023 The Women’s Legal Centre Trust (WLCT) is

Read More

Media Statement Press release

The WLC seeks to intervene in developing the common law for women in life partnerships.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CAPE TOWN: 20 January 2023 The WLC seeks to intervene in developing

Read More

Media Statement Press release

Challenging The Laws Which Serve To Silence Victims Of Sexual Violence And Their Supporters

The Women’s Legal Centre challenges the constitutionality of certain provisions of the Criminal Procedure Act

Read More

Media Statement Press release

UNiTE! Activism To End Violence Against Women And Girls!

For the next 16 Days the Women’s Legal Centre will join the global community in

Read More

Media Statement Press release

Victory: Abdullah and WLCT v The City of Cape Town

In what can only be described as a victory for poor and working class women

Read More

Media Statement Press release

MEDIA STATEMENT: Abdullah and WLCT v The City of Cape Town

The Women’s Legal Centre will be appearing in the Western Cape High Court sitting as

Read More

Media Statement Opinion

#PatrickMustFall: Empty Promises – Empty Pots

On Monday 8 August 2022, over 50 working-class women from across the Cape Flats will

Read More

Media Statement Press release

Women’s Legal Centre Launches Academy for Future Female Litigators

The Women’s Legal Centre (WLC) launched an intensive three-week training programme for law students from

Read More

Media Statement Press release

Social Justice Coalition and Others v Minister of Police and Others (Women’s Legal Centre as Fifth Respondent) Constitutional Court

On 19 July 2022, the Constitutional Court handed down judgment in an application brought by

Read More

Media Statement Press release

Unlawful and Unconstitutional State Interference in the right to place a Child(Ren) for Adoption

On 20 and 21 July 2022 the Johannesburg High Court will hear an application brought

Read More

Media Statement Press release

Victory for Muslim women as Constitutional Court judgment recognises their right to equal protection in marriage

The Women’s Legal Centre (WLC) is elated in welcoming the judgment handed down by the

Read More

Media Statement Press release

Safeguarding access to safe and legal abortions: Voice of Unborn Baby

In a country where access to abortion and other sexual and reproductive health care services

Read More

Media Statement Press release

Workers’ Day: How does the new Harassment Code impact womxn at work?

The purpose of the Harassment Code is to ensure that South African workplaces comply with

Read More

Media Statement Press release

High Court vindicates women’s rights to speak about their rape experience as a critical way to combat the scourge of violence against women

The Women’s Legal Centre is inspired by the judgement handed down by the Western Cape

Read More

Media Statement Press release

Seeking to have the system used by the SAPS to determine the allocation of their human resources recognise the impact of violent crimes on women

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CAPE TOWN: 1 February 2022 Seeking to have the system used by the

Read More

Media Statement Press release

Victory for women in opposite sex domestic partnerships

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CAPE TOWN: 04 January 2022 Victory for women in opposite sex domestic

Read More

Media Statement Press release

Women’s Legal Centre to challenge the Criminal Procedure Act

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CAPE TOWN: 12 December 2021 The Women’s Legal Centre will be appearing

Read More

Media Statement Press release

Gender equality still lacking in the South African legal field

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE A report commissioned by the Western Cape branch of the National Association

Read More

Media Statement Press release

WLC to appeal order gagging a womxn from speaking about her rape to anyone

CAPE TOWN:  19 October 2021 The Women’s Legal Centre will be appearing in the Western

Read More

Media Statement Public Statement:

WLC supports liberalisation of abortion laws in Namibia

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Today we stand in solidarity with our sister organisation in Namibia, the

Read More

Media Statement

Statement on hateful comments made during case on the recognition of Muslim marriages.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 05 August 2021 At the start of the hearing of our case,

Read More

Media Statement Press release

Joint Press Statement: Women’s Legal Centre, Sexual and Reproductive Justice Coalition of South Africa and Legal Resources Centre

Joint Press Statement: Women’s Legal Centre, Sexual and Reproductive Justice Coalition of South Africa and

Read More

Media Statement Press release Public Statement:

Joint Press Statement: Global Gag Rule Rescinded

  Joint Press Statement: Global Gag Rule Rescinded Women’s Legal Centre and Legal Resources Centre

Read More

Media Statement Press release Public Statement:

IN REMEMBRANCE OF DONNA GAIL FORTUIN

6 January 2021 IN REMEMBRANCE OF DONNA GAIL FORTUIN 1980 – 2021 It is with

Read More

Media Statement Public Statement:

The Supreme Court of Appeal affirms the obligation of the state to take steps to recognise Muslim marriages in South Africa

The Supreme Court of Appeal affirms the obligation of the state to take steps to

Read More

Media Statement Public Statement:

Towards a compassionate feminist society

Towards a compassionate feminist society Statement by the Women’s Legal Centre (WLC) on Reconciliation Day,

Read More

Media Statement Public Statement:

The Recognition of Muslim Marriages in South Africa

The Recognition of Muslim Marriages in South Africa The Women’s Legal Centre (WLC) was back

Read More

Media Statement Public Statement:

The Bwanya Statement

The Bwanya Statement A win for #equalityinrelationships Cape Town, 30 September 2020 – The Women’s

Read More

Media Statement Press release Public Statement:

Another delay, but a key concession in realising Muslim women’s rights in marriage

Another delay, but a key concession in realising Muslim women’s rights in marriage The Women’s

Read More

Media Statement

Protecting Safe Access To Sexual And Reproductive Health Services During Covid-19

Protecting Safe Access To Sexual And Reproductive Health Services During Covid-19 The Women’s Legal Centre,

Read More

Media Statement

PROTECTING SAFE ACCESS TO SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH SERVICES DURING COVID-19

PROTECTING SAFE ACCESS TO SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH SERVICES DURING COVID-19 The Women’s Legal Centre,

Read More

Media Statement

WOMEN’S LEGAL CENTRE’S WORKERS’ DAY STATEMENT

WOMEN’S LEGAL CENTRE’S WORKERS’ DAY STATEMENT The need to commemorate and celebrate Workers’ Day is

Read More

Media Statement

Media Statement: Human Rights Day: Looking Back, Moving Forward 21 March 2019

MEDIA STATEMENT: HUMAN RIGHTS DAY: LOOKING BACK, MOVING FORWARD 21 March 2019 Equality is one of

Read More

Media Statement

Media Statement: Stop the Silencing of Womxn Victims 18 March 2019

MEDIA STATEMENT: STOP THE SILENCING OF WOMXN VICTIMS 18 March 2019 On 13 March 2019,

Read More

Media Statement

Media Statement: Justice for the families of the CTCHC housing scheme

Media Statement Justice for the families of the CTCHC housing scheme Women have historically been

Read More

Media Statement

Women’s Legal Centre Statement: Satchwell Report in Equal Education Inquiry disregards sexual harassment complainants

Media Statement Satchwell Report in Equal Education Inquiry disregards sexual harassment complainants: In August 2018

Read More

Media Statement

Statement – WLCT v President of the Republic of South Africa & Others

Media Statement Women’s Legal Centre Trust v President of the Republic of South Africa &

Read More

Media Statement

Moosa NO and others v Minister of Justice and Correctional Services and others

Media Statement Moosa NO and others v Minister of Justice and Correctional Services and others

Read More

Media Statement

Levenstein and Others v Estate of the Late Sidney Lewis Frankel and Others

Media Statement Levenstein and Others v Estate of the Late Sidney Lewis Frankel and Others

Read More

Media Statement

Statement – Voice of the Unborn Baby – 1 June 2018

Media Statement Sexual and Reproductive Justice Coalition members apply to join as a friend of

Read More

Media Statement

Court case seeks to the end the prescription of sexual offences.

Media Statement Sexual Harassment in the Social Justice Sector The Women’s Legal Centre is an

Read More

Media Statement

Western Cape Education Department & another v S (Women’s Legal Centre as Amicus Curiae)

Media Statement Head of Department: Western Cape Education Department & another v S (Women’s Legal

Read More

Media Statement

We are shocked at the arrest of our colleagues by the Tanzanian Police

Media Statement Issued by CHESA and ISLA. 20 October 2017, Dar-es-salaam, Tanzania: On Tuesday, 17

Read More

Media Statement

Court case seeks to the end the prescription of sexual offences.

Media Statement Court case seeks to the end the prescription of sexual offences. Today 22

Read More

Media Statement

to honour our late leader Ahmed Kathrada

Media Statement To honour our late leader Ahmed Kathrada Thursday 06 April 2017; In President

Read More

Media Statement

New date agreed by the parties in the recognition of Muslim marriages class action

Media Statement New date agreed by the parties in the recognition of Muslim marriages class

Read More

Media Statement

failure to recognise Muslim marriages

Media Statement To recognise Muslim marriages On Monday 20 March 2017, the day before Human

Read More

Media Statement

Domestic Violence Act needs urgent review

Media Statement Women’s rights organisations tell parliamentary committee that the Domestic Violence Act needs urgent

Read More

Media Statement

essential services for vulnerable women

  Media Statement A collective agenda driven by women’s rights advocates and government is the

Read More

Opinion

More than a 100 years later and women in the legal profession continue to seek substantiveequality in the workplace

The South African legal profession is complex and carries the burden of a patriarchal legacy

Read More

Opinion

Advancing Access To Maintenance For Women In Permanent Life Partnerships

Charlene May and Mandi Mudarikwa unpack the Bwanya Judgement, which points to women in our

Read More

Media Statement Opinion

#PatrickMustFall: Empty Promises – Empty Pots

On Monday 8 August 2022, over 50 working-class women from across the Cape Flats will

Read More

Opinion

Apex court judgment enables opposite-sex life partners to inherit intestate

Through our work as the Women’s Legal Centre, we are all too aware that simply

Read More

Opinion

Magistrate’s Courts fail to protect womxn who survive violence

Violence against women remains a pandemic in South Africa, and when women experience domestic violence,

Read More

Opinion

Separate marriage laws marginalise LGBTQIA+ people

Continuing with South Africa’s current separate marriage dispensation reinforces the marginalisation and stigmatisation of LGBTQIA+

Read More

Opinion

Why customary marriage registration matters for South African womxn

The Women’s Legal Centre strongly believes that if we want womxn in South Africa to

Read More

Opinion

Beyond the altar: Addressing the legacy of who is deserving of relationship recognition

If the state is committed to reforming South Africa’s family law in a manner that

Read More

Opinion

We need feminist places of work: How ILO Convention 190 can help to get us there

This Worker’s Day the Women’s Legal Centre joins womxn around the world in urging their

Read More

Opinion

Victory for opposite-sex couples in domestic partnerships, but the fight for equality continues

Victory for opposite-sex couples in domestic partnerships, but the fight for equality continues Couples living

Read More

Opinion

Misogynistic Hate Speech Undermines Equality for Womxn

Misogynistic Hate Speech Undermines Equality for Womxn South Africa is a deeply unequal society in

Read More

Opinion

Women’s Day:  We are the feminist leadership we have been waiting for

Women’s Day:  We are the feminist leadership we have been waiting for International Women’s Day

Read More

Opinion

It is time for our Government to take heed of the lived realities of womxn farmworkers

It is time for our Government to take heed of the lived realities of womxn

Read More

Opinion

STRANDFONTEIN SHELTER SHOWS IMPORTANCE OF MONITORING WOMXN’S RIGHTS DURING A CRISIS

Strandfontein shelter shows importance of monitoring womxn’s rights during a crisis  Our government’s COVID-19 response

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Opinion

COVID-19 through a gendered, Feminist and human rights lens. What does Corona virus mean to womxn in South Africa.

The Women’s Legal Centre reflects after President Ramaphosa addresses the nation for the third time

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Opinion

#PoliceResources and how the case affects women

Opinion #PoliceResources and how the case affects women Article by Janie Booth Khayelitsha has one

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Opinion

The Constitutional Court Reinforces Spatial Violence

Opinion The Constitutional Court Reinforces Spatial Violence Created By South Africa’s Apartheid Past The Constitutional

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Opinion

HOW STATE CAPTURE AFFECTS WOMEN

Opinion HOW STATE CAPTURE AFFECTS WOMEN By Janie Booth and Victoria Wang State capture refers

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Opinion

UPDATES ON STATE CAPTURE IN SOUTH AFRICA.

Opinion CHECKING THE NEWS EACH MORNING BRINGS A CONTINUOUS STREAM OF UPDATES ON STATE CAPTURE

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Opinion

State Capture – How does it work?

Opinion State Capture – How does it work? We encounter poverty every day. When we

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Opinion

Sex work in South Africa must be decriminalised

Opinion Sex work in South Africa must be decriminalised —in a democratic society, this cannot

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Opinion

A SUMMARY OF THE STATE CAPACITY

Opinion A SUMMARY OF THE STATE CAPACITY RESEARCH PROJECT’S REPORT ON STATE CAPTURE By Victoria

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Opinion

An integrated plan to curb taxi rapes

Opinion An integrated plan to curb taxi rapes should be driven from the top—by government.

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Opinion

WLC MPL

Opinion Though Leadership – The non-recognition of Muslim marriages is tantamount to an ongoing violation of

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Opinion

struggle to realise substantive equality

  Opinion WLC carries the torch for women who still continue to struggle to realise

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Media Statement Press release

The WLC seeks to intervene in developing the common law for women in life partnerships.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CAPE TOWN: 20 January 2023 The WLC seeks to intervene in developing

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Media Statement Press release

Challenging The Laws Which Serve To Silence Victims Of Sexual Violence And Their Supporters

The Women’s Legal Centre challenges the constitutionality of certain provisions of the Criminal Procedure Act

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Media Statement Press release

UNiTE! Activism To End Violence Against Women And Girls!

For the next 16 Days the Women’s Legal Centre will join the global community in

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Press release

High Court upholds women’s rights to make decisions about their reproductive health

TT & BM vs MINISTER OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT & OTHERS – CASE NO 43969/2020 –

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Media Statement Press release

Victory: Abdullah and WLCT v The City of Cape Town

In what can only be described as a victory for poor and working class women

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Media Statement Press release

MEDIA STATEMENT: Abdullah and WLCT v The City of Cape Town

The Women’s Legal Centre will be appearing in the Western Cape High Court sitting as

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Media Statement Press release

Women’s Legal Centre Launches Academy for Future Female Litigators

The Women’s Legal Centre (WLC) launched an intensive three-week training programme for law students from

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Media Statement Press release

Social Justice Coalition and Others v Minister of Police and Others (Women’s Legal Centre as Fifth Respondent) Constitutional Court

On 19 July 2022, the Constitutional Court handed down judgment in an application brought by

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Media Statement Press release

Unlawful and Unconstitutional State Interference in the right to place a Child(Ren) for Adoption

On 20 and 21 July 2022 the Johannesburg High Court will hear an application brought

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Media Statement Press release

Victory for Muslim women as Constitutional Court judgment recognises their right to equal protection in marriage

The Women’s Legal Centre (WLC) is elated in welcoming the judgment handed down by the

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Media Statement Press release

Safeguarding access to safe and legal abortions: Voice of Unborn Baby

In a country where access to abortion and other sexual and reproductive health care services

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Media Statement Press release

Workers’ Day: How does the new Harassment Code impact womxn at work?

The purpose of the Harassment Code is to ensure that South African workplaces comply with

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Media Statement Press release

High Court vindicates women’s rights to speak about their rape experience as a critical way to combat the scourge of violence against women

The Women’s Legal Centre is inspired by the judgement handed down by the Western Cape

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Media Statement Press release

Seeking to have the system used by the SAPS to determine the allocation of their human resources recognise the impact of violent crimes on women

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CAPE TOWN: 1 February 2022 Seeking to have the system used by the

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Media Statement Press release

Victory for women in opposite sex domestic partnerships

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CAPE TOWN: 04 January 2022 Victory for women in opposite sex domestic

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Media Statement Press release

Women’s Legal Centre to challenge the Criminal Procedure Act

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CAPE TOWN: 12 December 2021 The Women’s Legal Centre will be appearing

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Media Statement Press release

Gender equality still lacking in the South African legal field

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE A report commissioned by the Western Cape branch of the National Association

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Press release

Campaigners petition UN to investigate racial and gender discrimination in global COVID-19 vaccine roll-out

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 10 November, 2021 Campaigners petition UN to investigate racial and gender discrimination

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Press release

Religious freedom does not mean the right to discriminate

CAPE TOWN: 09 November 2021 The constitutional guarantee of freedom of religion is not a

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Press release

CAPE TOWN: 01 November 2021

SOUTH AFRICA’S CIVIL SOCIETY SHADOW REPORTING 5TH PERIODIC REVIEW ON THE CONVENTION ON ELIMINATION OF

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Media Statement Press release

WLC to appeal order gagging a womxn from speaking about her rape to anyone

CAPE TOWN:  19 October 2021 The Women’s Legal Centre will be appearing in the Western

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Press release

The WLC encouraged by WCHC landmark decision against an interdict seeking to silence rape survivor

CAPE TOWN: 30 August 2021 The WLC encouraged by WCHC landmark decision against an interdict

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Press release

Constitutional Court decision in Qwelane case is a win for womxn’s rights in South Africa

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 30 July 2021 Constitutional Court decision in Qwelane case is a win

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Press release

Women’s Legal Centre admitted as friend of the court in landmark case addressing the public naming of sexual violence perpetrators

CAPE TOWN: The Women’s Legal Centre (WLC) welcomes the decision made by the Western Cape

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Media Statement Press release

Joint Press Statement: Women’s Legal Centre, Sexual and Reproductive Justice Coalition of South Africa and Legal Resources Centre

Joint Press Statement: Women’s Legal Centre, Sexual and Reproductive Justice Coalition of South Africa and

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Media Statement Press release Public Statement:

Joint Press Statement: Global Gag Rule Rescinded

  Joint Press Statement: Global Gag Rule Rescinded Women’s Legal Centre and Legal Resources Centre

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Media Statement Press release Public Statement:

IN REMEMBRANCE OF DONNA GAIL FORTUIN

6 January 2021 IN REMEMBRANCE OF DONNA GAIL FORTUIN 1980 – 2021 It is with

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Press release

The Mahlangu Case and The Recognition of Women’s Work as Work

The Mahlangu Case and The Recognition of Women’s Work as Work This judgment realises the

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Media Statement Press release Public Statement:

Another delay, but a key concession in realising Muslim women’s rights in marriage

Another delay, but a key concession in realising Muslim women’s rights in marriage The Women’s

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Press release

The Women’s Legal Centre operational despite Covid-19

The Women’s Legal Centre operational despite Covid-19 Covid-19 continues to wreak havoc globally forcing people

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Press release

Levenstein (and 7 others) and Sidney Frankel

Media Release LEVENSTEIN & 7 OTHERS /SIDNEY FRANKEL & OTHERS 170/17 (CC ): PARTIES TO

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Press release

President dismiss Mduduzi Manan

Media Release President dismiss Mduduzi Manana – The WLC requests President dismiss Mduduzi Manana, failing this,

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Press release

Harnaker Matter: The Irony Of The Law In Regards To Muslim Marriages

Press Release Harnaker Matter: The Irony Of The Law In Regards To Muslim Marriages On

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Press release

Why impunity must end?

Press Release Deputy Minister’s attack on women highlights why impunity must end. Tuesday 08 August

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Press release

Parliament must dismiss Mr Mduduzi Manana

Media Release Parliament must dismiss Mr Mduduzi Manana as an MP, to send a clear

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Press release

Will women in customary marriages have equal right to property

Press Release Will women in customary marriages have equal right to property On Tuesday 16

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Press release

WLC SONA

Press Release THE STATE OF THE NATION, GOVERNMENT PRIORITIES AND WOMEN IN SOUTH AFRICA Women’s

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Press release

prevent coerced sterilisations

  Press Release The South African government must do more to prevent coerced sterilisations in

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Press release

safe and legal abortions is vital

  Press Release Access to safe and legal abortions is vital as the unintended consequences

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Press release

recognition of Muslim marriages

  Press Release After a 10-year law reform process, this week the recognition of Muslim

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Press release

Limpopo High Court rules that wome

  Press Release Limpopo High Court rules that women in polygynous marriages have equal rights

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Press release

POLICE ABUSE OF SEX WORKERS

  Press Release POLICE ABUSE OF SEX WORKERS: DATA FROM CASES REPORTED TO THE WOMEN’S

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Press release

JAN KLAASE AND ELSIE KLAASE V. JOZIA JOHANNES VAN DER MERWE

  Press Release JAN KLAASE AND ELSIE KLAASE V. JOZIA JOHANNES VAN DER MERWE PRESS

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Press release

NGO STATEMENT ON HELEN SUZMAN FOUNDATION RAID

  Press Release WLC stands united with NGOs on HSF raid – NGO STATEMENT ON HELEN

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Press release

What About the Women?

  Press Release What About the Women? The 2016 State of the Nation Address (SONA)

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Press release

JEZILE V THE STATE

  PRESS RELEASE JEZILE V THE STATE – Cape Town High Court Rejects Manipulated “Customary” Practice

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Press release

Recognition of Muslim Marriages Long Overdue

  Press Release Recognition of Muslim Marriages Long Overdue – says WLC Centre takes Government

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Public Statement:

How To Access Abortion Facilities In South Africa

The Women's Legal Centre has compiled information booklets on how to access abortion facilities in

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Media Statement Public Statement:

WLC supports liberalisation of abortion laws in Namibia

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Today we stand in solidarity with our sister organisation in Namibia, the

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Media Statement Press release Public Statement:

Joint Press Statement: Global Gag Rule Rescinded

  Joint Press Statement: Global Gag Rule Rescinded Women’s Legal Centre and Legal Resources Centre

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Media Statement Press release Public Statement:

IN REMEMBRANCE OF DONNA GAIL FORTUIN

6 January 2021 IN REMEMBRANCE OF DONNA GAIL FORTUIN 1980 – 2021 It is with

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Media Statement Public Statement:

The Supreme Court of Appeal affirms the obligation of the state to take steps to recognise Muslim marriages in South Africa

The Supreme Court of Appeal affirms the obligation of the state to take steps to

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Media Statement Public Statement:

Towards a compassionate feminist society

Towards a compassionate feminist society Statement by the Women’s Legal Centre (WLC) on Reconciliation Day,

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Public Statement:

365 Days of Protecting Womxn

365 Days of Protecting Womxn Cape Town, 26 November 2020 – The Women’s Legal Centre

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Media Statement Public Statement:

The Recognition of Muslim Marriages in South Africa

The Recognition of Muslim Marriages in South Africa The Women’s Legal Centre (WLC) was back

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Media Statement Public Statement:

The Bwanya Statement

The Bwanya Statement A win for #equalityinrelationships Cape Town, 30 September 2020 – The Women’s

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Public Statement:

National Wills Week 26 – 30 October 2020

National Wills Week 26 – 30 October 2020 The Women’s Legal Centre, in partnership with

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Media Statement Press release Public Statement:

Another delay, but a key concession in realising Muslim women’s rights in marriage

Another delay, but a key concession in realising Muslim women’s rights in marriage The Women’s

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Public Statement:

THE WOMEN’S LEGAL CENTRE REMAINS DEDICATED TO THE ADVANCEMENT OF GENDER EQUALITY DURING COVID-19

THE WOMEN’S LEGAL CENTRE REMAINS DEDICATED TO THE ADVANCEMENT OF GENDER EQUALITY DURING COVID-19 At

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Public Statement:

WLC’s objection to the City of Cape Town’s Streets, Public Places and the Prevention of Noise Nuisances By-law

WLC’s objection to the City of Cape Town’s Streets, Public Places and the Prevention of

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Public Statement:

Poverty, Social Relief & Economic Recovery. A toolkit by the Women’s Legal Centre.

Poverty, Social Relief & Economic Recovery. A toolkit by the Women’s Legal Centre. The unprecedented

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Public Statement:

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS IN RESPECT OF SAPS DURING THE LOCKDOWN:

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS IN RESPECT OF SAPS DURING THE LOCKDOWN: During this period, while we

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Public Statement:

Know Your Rights: Labour Laws in Effect During Lockdown

The Covid-19 virus has placed our society in a completely new state of existence and

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Public Statement:

Public Statement: Women Who Testified in the Equal Education Enquiry on Sexual Harassment Speak

Public Statement Women Who Testified in the Equal Education Enquiry on Sexual Harassment Speak We

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