Celebrating the global YWCA movement
13 April 2022
Canberra is proud to be part of a global network of 25 million girls and women across 125 countries. Our movement passionately supports women to shape their communities and advance gender equality so we may all live safe and prosperous lives.
This year, we are once again excited to be celebrating World Y Day on Saturday 24 April. On this day, we acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of YWCA leaders and pioneers who have taken action to make human rights a reality. Read on to find out more about the greater YWCA movement!
Where it all started
Founded in 1877 in the United Kingdom, the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) was first established as a leadership initiative to help support women amid the industrial revolution. The organisation flourished when it eventually became the World YWCA, as established by Great Britain, Norway, Sweden and the United States.
The YWCA has become a pioneer for women’s rights and human rights around the world, assisting women following modern historical events, including the European refugee crisis, the civil rights movement in the US, and the end of apartheid in South Africa. Since the beginning, the YWCA has continued to advocate for women’s leadership, health, well-being and safety, and the representation and progression of women’s rights.
Today the World YWCA movement consists of over 13,000 volunteers and leaders who have helped shape and facilitate social change for all women and gender-diverse people alike.
The role of YWCA Canberra
YWCA Canberra has provided community services and represented women’s issues in Canberra since 1929. Our mission is ‘We strengthen communities by supporting girls and women through our services and advocacy’, and our vision is ‘Girls and women thriving’.
Since our establishment YWCA Canberra has continued to provide essential, quality services for women, girls and families in the ACT and surrounding regions. Our work focuses on areas in children’s services, community development, homelessness and affordable housing, domestic and family violence, youth services, personal and professional training, women’s leadership and advocacy.
As a feminist organisation, we are proud to use our platform to connect with inspiring women, non-binary and gender-diverse people, to help them share their stories and amplify their voices.
Get involved this World Y Day by attending our annual Innovation Breakfast on 28 April 2022!
Our annual Great Ydeas Innovation Breakfast provides an opportunity for our members, supporters, partners and friends to come together to support our housing services for women and their families experiencing homelessness. We’ll also showcase our 2022 Great Ydeas Small Grant recipients and celebrate the worldwide YWCA movement over a delicious breakfast.
By attending our breakfast, you will help us build better lives for women in need, with all funds raised towards our YHomes project to build nine homes for older women at risk of homelessness in Ainslie.
Want to be part of the YWCA movement? Sign up to become a member!