Ladi Phofu (RWVL)
Country: South Africa
Organisation / Affiliation: Usizo Community Development Projects
Languages: Zulu, Sotho, Xhosa and English
Advocacy Areas:
- Gender based violence and femicide prevention and response
- Feminist leadership
- Sexual and reproductive health and rights
- Women, Peace and Security
Ladi Phofu is a dedicated GBVF activist who advocates for the rights, safety and dignity of survivors. Her work focuses on challenging harmful cultural norms, addressing toxic masculinities, and supporting programmes that reduce poverty and strengthen community resilience in underserved communities, including informal settlements in South Africa. She is committed to contributing to a society where gender based violence is eradicated and every person can live free from fear and harm.
Background
Ladi has worked for more than ten years in the prevention and response to gender based violence and femicide in underserved communities. Her work is rooted in community service, advocacy and survivor support, particularly for women and children living in high density and low income communities where unemployment and economic dependence often heighten vulnerability to abuse. She founded one of the first temporary shelters for GBVF victims and survivors in Soweto and has been involved in its day to day management, including stakeholder engagement, awareness campaigns and survivor support programmes.
Areas of Expertise
- GBV prevention and response
- Advocacy
- Community mobilisation
- Feminist leadership
Current Projects / Work
Ladi currently manages a temporary shelter for survivors of gender based violence, with a focus on women and children. She leads a team of activists who provide survivor advocacy and court support. Her current work includes the GBVF Response Fund project, RWVL supported shelter strengthening work, the Voice4theVoiceless initiative engaging local leaders on harmful norms, and the development of MY TRUTH, a GBVF podcast intended to amplify survivor voices, support healing and promote systemic advocacy.
Affiliations
- Orlando SAPS
- Orlando VEC Office
- Open Disclosure Organisation
- Teddy Bear Clinic
- Thuthuzela Care Centre
- Masiphephe Network
- Orlando GBV Forum
- Orlando CPF
- GBV Brigades
- Community leaders and Orlando Clinic
Social Media / Website