About the World YWCA
The World Young Women's Christian Association (World YWCA) is a global network of women leading social and economic change in over 120 countries worldwide. It advocates for peace, justice, health, human dignity, freedom and care of the environment, and has been at the forefront of raising the status of women since it was founded in 1894. The World YWCA develops women’s leadership to find local solutions to the global inequalities women face. Each year, it reaches more than 25 million women and girls through work in 22,000 communities. This grassroots development experience shapes the organisation’s global advocacy agenda. YWCA work is inspired by Christian principles and a commitment to women’s full and equal participation in society. It is a volunteer membership movement, inclusive of women from many faiths, backgrounds and cultures.Vision
A fully inclusive world where justice, peace, health, human dignity, freedom and care for the environment are promoted and sustained through women’s leadership.Purpose
The purpose of the World YWCA is to develop the leadership and collective power of women and girls around the world to achieve justice, peace, health, human dignity, freedom and a sustainable environment for all people.Goals
- To develop and sustain women’s leadership and to promote women as decision-makers
- To achieve cultural, economic, political, religious and social justice for all women and girls
- To increase the effectiveness of the World YWCA as a global women’s movement with an informed and active membership at local, national and international levels
Priorities
The World YWCA works to promote social, economic, cultural, religious and political rights of women and girls through advocacy and related programmes and services.
The World YWCA’s advocacy agenda focuses on four priority areas:
- Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, HIV and AIDS
- Violence Against Women, Human Rights
- Peace with justice
- Economic empowerment and environmental sustainability
Actions we value
- Self-determination of women and girls in all areas of life
- Leadership that improves the status of women and girls around the world
- Young women’s leadership
- Care for the environment
