About
Who we are
Ilitha Labantu, established in 1989, is a social service and educational organisation that focuses on addressing violence against women and children and supporting those affected by it.
Through individual and family counselling as well as skills training, empowerment and capacity-building workshops, we meet the needs of communities affected by high levels of violence and limited socio-economic opportunities. Located within the residential areas of its target group, we provide easily accessible services to gender-based violence (GBV) survivors and the broader community.
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As an experienced civil society organisation, we are a trusted advisor to government and community processes related to the prevention and elimination of violence against women and children we use this platform to advocate for the implementation of grassroots solutions nationally and internationally.
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Currently, we have satellite offices in five provinces in township and rural areas and are committed to increasing the scope of our work throughout the country.
Click here to download
our 2024 organisational profile
Our Mission
We strive to end violence and abuse against women and children in disadvantaged communities.
We provide emotional support, practical advice, education and training for coping with and addressing violence against women and children. We utilize interactive and inclusive methodologies in our education and empowerment programs.
Ilitha Labantu focuses on several key goals to advance its mission and impact:
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Combating Gender-Based Violence: Providing support, advocacy, and resources to victims of gender-based violence, including domestic violence, sexual assault, and other forms of abuse.
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Empowering Women and Children: Offering programs and initiatives aimed at empowering women and children, promoting their rights, and improving their social and economic status.
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Community Education and Awareness: Raising awareness and educating communities about gender issues, human rights, and the impact of violence and inequality.
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Providing Counselling and Support Services: Offering psychological support, counselling, and other essential services to individuals affected by violence and trauma.
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Promoting Legal and Policy Advocacy: Advocating for stronger legal protections and policies that address gender-based violence and promote gender equality.
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Building Community Resilience: Implementing programs that strengthen community resilience and support networks to prevent violence and support survivors.
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Fostering Partnerships and Collaborations: Collaborating with other organizations, government agencies, and stakeholders to amplify efforts and create a unified response to gender-based violence and inequality.
These goals collectively contribute to Ilitha Labantu's mission of creating a safer, more equitable, society for all.
Our Vision
To assist in the elimination of all kinds of violence especially those that occur in the domestic domain where the ideology of privacy is strong.
Our Philosophy
Empathy
awareness of power relations and respect for
human rights
Confidentiality
protect and maintain client confidentiality
Professionalism
Communicate, behave and execute all duties in a manner that enhances the positive image of Ilitha Labantu, to use available resources efficiently and effectively to stop the scourge of violence against women and children
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Listen
attentively, supportively, and objectively to a client
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Assist
each and every client at all times
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Equality
adhere to principles and practices that promote
substantive equality
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Integrity
commit and adhere to organizational values
and gender equality
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Accountability
honesty, transparency and responsibility
Our Guiding Principles
Serving all survivors of domestic violence and those supportive of them at any time, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, income, ability, religion or geography.
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Providing timely access to services and programs.
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Creating a safe, welcoming and respectful environment where survivors and their families can heal and grow working to end the silence surrounding violence against women and children, and to end the stigma found within our communities through outreach programs.
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Raising awareness about how societal acceptance of oppression relates to the incidence of sexual violence.
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Promoting a work environment that empowers each person to do their work to their fullest capacity; that supports each person in their efforts, and that inspires teamwork in order to provide the best service to the community.
Our Funders & Supporters
Funders
Ilitha Labantu is able to operate thanks to the generous funding of the following institutions:
Avon Justine
Marie-Schlei-Verein
Olof Palme International Center
National Lotteries Commission
Department of Social Development, South Africa
Brot für die Welt
National Development Agency
The Fibre Processing and Manufacturing (FP&M) SETA
UN Women
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
The ELMA South Africa Foundation
GBVF Response Fund
Supporters
Ilitha Labantu is grateful for the support
of the following organisations:
Anglo American
ABSA
Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project
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