About
Who we are
We are a female-headed consortium representing several sectors of South Africa’s legal profession. The University of Johannesburg is the lead organization. Its partners are the South African Chapter of the International Association of Women Judges (SAC-IAWJ), Women in Law South Africa (WOZA) and Mapongwana Attorneys.
Vision
We envision South Africa’s future legal profession as a collaborative and inclusive institution that fosters an environment where women’s entry into the profession and their contributions thereafter are valued and encouraged. In the profession, gender parity in terms of representation and opportunities at all levels will be the norm. It will be free of gender discrimination and access and remuneration within the profession are based on merit. Intersecting identities such as race, socio-economic status, language, and ability will not determine an individual’s access, decision-making authority, and leadership. In the legal profession of the future, there will be institutional arrangements that ensure zero tolerance for GBV. It will also support the retention, promotion, and leadership that reflect the demographics and diversity of South Africa. Leadership in the legal profession of the future is characterised by inclusivity, fairness, and agency.
Mission
To transform the legal profession in South Africa by increasing the number of black females* who are empowered to enter, thrive, and lead; and implement feasible changes to dismantle the negative aspects of its institutional culture.
Our Approach
We use an institutional change (systems change) approach. We will To do the work that must be done, we will coordinate and engage a winning-coalition of actors from the public and private sectors; legal regulatory bodies and associations; law firms; universities; civil society and student organisations.
Our Funders
The project is in its design phase and it is funded by Co-Impact’s Gender Fund
Our Partners
* Black females refers that refers to African, Coloureds and Indians who are citizens of the Republic of South Africa. See Section 1 of the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act 53 of 2003