Life In Leggings is grounded in intersectional feminist values and operates with an unwavering commitment to equity, inclusion, and justice. We do not discriminate and advocate for all women, girls, and non-binary individuals—regardless of age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, socioeconomic status, or other lived realities.
Our work is guided by the understanding that systems of oppression—such as patriarchy, racism, classism, ableism, homophobia, and transphobia—are interconnected and must be dismantled collectively. We believe that the fight to end gender-based violence must be inclusive, survivor-centered, and responsive to the diverse experiences of those most impacted.
The following 15 values anchor our mission and inform every aspect of our work:
Intersectionality
We recognize that gender-based violence does not affect all individuals equally. Our approach accounts for the overlapping systems of oppression that impact women, girls, and non-binary people differently, especially those who are most marginalized.
Inclusion & Non-Discrimination
We advocate on behalf of all women, girls, and non-binary individuals—regardless of age, race, ethnicity, nationality, class, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or citizenship status. Our commitment to inclusion extends to all our programs, partnerships, and spaces.
Survivor-Centeredness
We prioritize the voices, autonomy, and lived experiences of survivors. We believe survivors should lead the movement to end gender-based violence and be supported with compassion, dignity, and respect.
Challenging the Myth of the Perfect Victim
We reject the harmful stereotype that only certain survivors are worthy of justice. All survivors—regardless of identity, behavior, or background—deserve to be believed, supported, and granted full access to justice and protection.
The Right to Non-Violence
Freedom from violence is a universal human right. Gender-based violence is not natural or inevitable—it is rooted in power imbalances, harmful norms, and systemic inequality. We work to prevent it by addressing these root causes through education, advocacy, and cultural change.
Autonomy & Bodily Integrity
We affirm the right of all individuals to make decisions about their bodies and lives free from coercion, violence, or control. This belief is central to our advocacy on sexual and reproductive rights, consent, and personal agency.
Trauma-Informed Practice
We recognize the lasting impacts of trauma and are committed to creating spaces, programs, and policies that prioritize safety, healing, and psychological well-being for all survivors and advocates.
Care & Collective Well-being
We center care—for ourselves, each other, and our communities. Rooted in the Black feminist tradition of self-care, we understand care as both a political act and a collective responsibility. We foster environments that prioritize rest, reflection, and mental well-being. We resist burnout culture and affirm that healing—individual and collective—is essential to sustaining this movement.
Accountability
We hold ourselves accountable to the communities we serve. This includes transparent decision-making, ethical storytelling, responsible use of power, and a commitment to transformative justice within our own organization and in society at large.
Solidarity
We believe in the power of collective action and regional unity. We work in solidarity with grassroots activists, civil society organizations, and survivors throughout the Caribbean to build a coordinated and sustainable movement.
Community Empowerment
We believe real change starts at the grassroots. That’s why we focus on strengthening the capacity of communities and civil society organizations to speak out, take action, support survivors, and lead solutions that work for them. Our role is to uplift—not overshadow—their leadership. This is especially vital in our regional work, where each country has its own unique context and needs.
Youth Leadership
As a youth-led organization, we believe young people are key drivers of change. We invest in their leadership, create space for their voices, and champion their vision for a more just and equitable future.
Decolonization
We actively challenge colonial legacies embedded in laws, institutions, and cultural narratives. Our work centers Caribbean feminist traditions and resists global systems that perpetuate violence and erasure.
Cultural Preservation
We honor and uplift Caribbean cultural expressions as vital tools for resistance, identity, healing, and storytelling. We integrate local knowledge and cultural heritage into our advocacy, ensuring that our movement remains grounded in the region’s histories and communities.
Restorative & Transformative Justice
We believe that justice is not one-size-fits-all. While many see justice through formal legal systems, we recognize that these systems don’t always serve every survivor—some may feel retraumatized, excluded, or unsafe within them. We embrace a range of justice models, including approaches that focus on healing, accountability, and repair—not just punishment.
It is not our role to define what justice should look like for survivors. Instead, we support each individual in deciding what justice means for them and what paths best support their healing and safety. Our commitment is to walk alongside survivors, honouring their choices and empowering them to seek the outcomes that feel right for them.
Life In Leggings: Caribbean Alliance Against Gender-based Violence 