In South Africa, the month of August is known as “Women’s Month”. It is set aside as a time to reflect on South African women’s resistance to oppressive systems through movement building and other acts of disruption. We specifically remember the 1956 women’s march against the unjust pass laws through a multitude of talks and...
Women’s Day was first celebrated in South Africa on 9 August 1995. I was only two-years-old at that time. I must admit, I grew up not truly appreciating the importance and significance of public holidays – I mainly saw them as a day off school. I only really began to engage with public holidays more...
“I am a Woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal Woman, that’s me.” – Maya Angelou The above quote is testament to the extraordinary ways women are. Navigating through dire circumstances, facing challenges never anticipated and succeeding, the quote emphasises that women are indeed extraordinary human beings with dreams, goals, needs and most of all human rights. As Women’s...
Lawyers against Abuse is proud and delighted to announce that on 19 March, our founder and chair of our board, Prof. Bonita Meyersfeld, was appointed a Knight of the National Order of Merit by France in recognition of over 20 years of work addressing gender-based violence in South Africa. In particular, the appointment recognised Prof....
On 15 April 2017, Mantwa* went out with her friends for a drink. After her friends had left, she was approached by her ex-boyfriend, Joshua*, who then forced her back to her shack in the early hours of the morning. Once outside, he began to beat her so she would open the door. When she...
As we pause to reflect back on 2018, we are encouraged by what was accomplished, strengthened through challenges faced, and thankful for the lessons we learned along the way. Here are just a few of the highlights. In 2018, LvA provided legal and/or psychosocial support to 277 victims of gender-based violence (GBV), including sexual violence,...
