PEOPLE WHO CARE ABOUT PEOPLE
Empowering communities, advancing justice and creating pathways to safety, dignity and opportunity since 1989.
At Ilitha Labantu, we remain committed to expanding our impact while staying true to the values that have guided us since our founding in 1989.
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For more than three decades, Ilitha Labantu has stood alongside women, children, families, and communities facing some of society's most complex challenges. What began as a grassroots response to the injustices experienced by women in under-resourced communities has grown into a respected institution that influences policy, strengthens systems, and delivers life-changing support to thousands of people every year.
OUR STORY
Founded in 1989 by the late anti-apartheid activist and community leader Mandisa Monakali, Ilitha Labantu was established in response to the widespread prevalence of domestic violence, political violence, and the abuse of women and children’s rights in township communities.
Over the past three decades, the organisation has evolved into a leading community-based development organisation working to advance gender equality, protect vulnerable groups, strengthen livelihoods, and promote social justice. While rooted in communities, Ilitha Labantu's influence extends nationally and internationally through policy engagement, advocacy, training, and knowledge-sharing initiatives. Today, Ilitha Labantu continues to empower women, children, youth, older persons, and vulnerable families through integrated programmes that address both immediate needs and the systemic factors that drive inequality and violence.
OUR VISION
A just, inclusive and violence-free society where women and girls live with dignity, safety and equal opportunity; where their rights, voices and bodily autonomy are respected; and where communities and institutions are accountable for advancing gender justice, equality and human rights.
OUR MISSION
Ilitha Labantu advances the rights, dignity and wellbeing of women, girls and historically marginalised communities through integrated, survivor-centred programmes that promote prevention, protection, healing, access to justice, legal empowerment, economic inclusion and community leadership.
We work to strengthen institutions, transform harmful social norms, and advance gender equality through the principles of feminism, human rights, Ubuntu, equality and social justice.
