Invest in the Present
The Core Programmes at the World YWCA include global advocacy and local programmes that target the root causes of poverty, violence, injustice, stigma, and discrimination.The Core Programme supports training for YWCA leaders to develop the most effective solutions to the problems facing their communities and helps build organisational capacity to ensure YWCAs have the structures, policies and plans to respond effectively to the needs of local communities.
Our Strategic Framework 2008 - 2012:
Goal 1: Leadership Development
To build the leadership of women and girls to develop the most effective solutions to the issues affecting their lives and communitiesGoal 2: Advocacy and Services
To promote the social, economic, cultural, religious and political rights of women and girls through advocacy and related programmes and servicesAdvocacy Priority areas:
- HIV and AIDS
- Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights
- Violence Against Women
- Women in peace building
- Economic justice
Goal 3: Good Governance and Accountability
To ensure YWCAs function at the highest level of organisational accountability, effectiveness and efficiencyExamples of Programmes in the YWCA
YWCA of Angola: Training for young women on counseling, raising civil and election awareness in the community and raising awareness on HIV and AIDS.YWCA of Lesotho: Training at nine branches on sales and marketing skills, HIV and AIDS advocacy and care and support to orphans and vulnerable children.
YWCA of Nepal: Nine-month non-formal education training for illiterate women, skills training for hostel guests and trauma awareness training for board, staff and members.
YWCA of Belarus: Eight local associations strengthened due to newly elected local coordinator who carried out needs analysis and assessment of each branch and then used for developing the Strategic Plan.
YWCA of Ukraine: Programme to reduce stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV through education and dialogue with HIV-positive people.
YWCA of Peru: Two workshops on HIV and AIDS for members of YWCA of Lima and HIV-positive women.
YWCA of Uruguay: Train-the-trainer workshop on HIV and AIDS, reducing stigma and encouraging collaboration with HIV-positive networks.
YWCA of Guyana: Assisting the government and other NGOs in reducing the level of illiteracy among young men and women through a sustained literacy programme.
