Blog: Women’s Rights

Redefining ‘normal’ in a post-COVID world
13 July 2020

In this time of COVID-19, there is no question that many of us now lead very different lives than what we are used to. From issues of mass job loss, increased mental health problems, and financial instability, it is evident the virus has affected us all in more ways than one. But as we begin […]

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How YWCAs around the world are responding to COVID-19
15 April 2020

We are proud to be part of the worldwide network of YWCAs. All around the world, YWCAs are helping women and their families through this unprecedented time of crisis. Women and non-binary people are being particularly affected by the social and financial implications of the COVID-19 crisis. Women comprise 70 per cent of the global […]

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Women’s frontline services working together during Covid-19
3 April 2020

With the escalation of COVID-19 in our community and the declaration of the public health emergency, we are preparing for an increase in demand for our essential support services. As parts of the community respond to COVID-19 by self-isolating or purchasing surplus essential food and personal items, the heightened stress on families is becoming evident. It is important to keep in mind that the home can often […]

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Queer emcee with female students at She Leads College Conference

Becoming Unstoppable at She Leads College Conference
26 March 2020

The 2020 She Leads College Conference was a one-day leadership event for young women, including female–identifying and non-binary people, in years 11 and 12. The event, held Thursday 12 March at the University of Canberra’s Ann Harding Conference Centre, engaged more than 120 young people to explore and discover their leadership identity and values, as well as reflect […]

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A woman in her workplace

The uncomfortable truth about sexual harassment in Australian workplaces
18 March 2020

In Australia, sexual harassment is widespread and pervasive. It is estimated that 85 per cent of women aged over 15 years have been sexually harassed at some point in their lives, carrying detrimental impacts on an individual’s physical, emotional, and psychological well being as well as their professional careers. According to the Sex Discrimination Act (Cth) 1984, […]

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IWD 2020 morning tea event networking

International Women’s Day: No place for sexism and harassment in 2020
6 March 2020

This International Women’s Day, we wanted to show our support for the women in our community by spotlighting the issue of sexism and sexual harassment in Canberra and the impacts it has on women’s lives.  According to our 2019 survey of Canberra women, Our Lives: Women in the ACT over 50 per cent of women in Canberra […]

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What’s happening in Canberra on International Women’s Day?
2 March 2020

What’s happening in Canberra on International Women’s Day? It’s time to rally up the girls because International Women’s Day (IWD) is coming up Sunday 8 March, and we couldn’t be more excited! International Women’s Day is a time for us each to reflect on the progress made towards gender equality and express our deepest gratitude towards the women […]

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Penny Kyburz portrait

Meet a member – Penny Kyburz
28 February 2020

This article is part of our member profile series. Our members tell us that one of the things they love about being part of our community is getting to know like-minded women. We will feature an interview with a member here on our blog so you can get to know each other a little better. Today, […]

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World Council 2019 through the eyes of a young woman 
20 February 2020

Once every four years, YWCA members from all around the world gather together for the YWCA World Council meeting. Last year, the 29th World Council was held in Johannesburg, South Africa and surrounded the theme, “Young Women Transforming Power Structures for Gender Equality.”  Sophie Holloway was one of seven YWCA Canberra members to attend as part of the YWCA […]

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Our submission for the 2020-21 ACT Budget
23 December 2019

It has been a busy period in our advocacy work with our submission to the 2020-2021 ACT Budget coinciding with the launch of our Women’s Survey report. This submission aligned with the themes outlined in our previous work and included stronger calls for improved gender-responsive budgeting, transparent monitoring of program and policy outcomes for women […]

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