Empowering Young Women Activists through Legal Literacy
On 6 August 2025, the Democracy Development Program (DDP) hosted a powerful and insightful Women’s Dialogue at the DDP Seminar Room, facilitated by Xoliswa Jwili, a DDP Associate Facilitator. Themed “Family and Labour Law in Practice: Empowering Young Women Activists through Legal Literacy,” the event brought together DDP female associates and partners to celebrate the role of women in society and equip them with essential legal knowledge.
Background
In South Africa, women continue to face systemic challenges rooted in inequality, gender-based violence, and limited access to legal resources. While activist spaces often emphasize social justice, they frequently overlook the importance of legal literacy in empowering women to navigate and challenge the structures that affect their lives.
This dialogue focused on two critical areas of law—Family Law and Labour Law—which directly impact women’s socio-economic wellbeing and bodily autonomy. By integrating legal theory with lived experience and activist practice, the session aimed to cultivate a generation of legally conscious young women leaders.
Objectives of the Dialogue
- Legal Foundations: Provide participants with a foundational understanding of family and labour law.
- Practical Navigation: Equip attendees with the tools to navigate legal processes related to relationships, employment, and workplace discipline.
- Empowerment Against Injustice: Enable participants to identify, resist, and act against sexual corruption and unfair labour practices.
- Community Impact: Build a peer-education cohort capable of sharing legal strategies within their communities and activist networks.
Celebrating Women’s Impact
The dialogue was not only a learning platform but also a celebration of women’s resilience, leadership, and contributions to society. Attendees were honored with certificates of participation, recognizing their commitment to personal growth and community empowerment.
Through this initiative, DDP continues to foster inclusive spaces where young women activists can grow, connect, and lead with confidence and legal awareness.
