The World Young Women Christian Association ( World YWCA ) is a movement that works for the empowerment, leadership and rights of women, young women and girls in over 120 countries. Members and supporters include women of all faiths, ages, backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures. Their common goal is that "by 2035, 100 million young women and girls will change the power structure to create justice, gender equality and a world of nonviolence and war, leading a sustainable YWCA movement, including all women." The World Office is currently based in Geneva, Switzerland.
YWCA is independent of the YMCA, but many local YMCA and YWCA associations have joined YM/YWCA or YMCA-YWCA, and belong to both organizations while providing their respective programs.
Video YWCA
Advokasi
Although the "YWCA" is often associated with hostels and gyms, World YWCA is a human rights-based organization with activities around the world such as gender equality advocacy and women's empowerment, training on SRHR and HIV, dialogue between young girls and religious leaders and cross generation. World YWCA states its goal as: "Developing the collective leadership and strength of women and girls around the world to achieve human rights, health, security, dignity, freedom, justice and peace for all".
Since 1940, World YWCA has focused on certain global issues including:
HIV and AIDS
During the World YWCA Council in Phoenix, Arizona in 1987, World YWCA issued an urgent resolution of national organizations to implement programs for education for the prevention of the spread of HIV. Today, the YWCA in 70 countries has programs related to HIV, including prevention, advocacy, treatment, care and support, and stigma. YWCA works closely with HIV-positive women at the grassroots level. The initiative in YWCA by HIV-positive women enables adjustment of programs to meet the specific needs of their communities.
Along with HIV prevention, World YWCA strongly promotes access to female condoms. According to a statement made by Dr. Musimbi Kanyoro, former YWCA World Secretary General (1998 - 2007) "The accelerated female condom distribution and education is very important.The rate of HIV infection among women increases disproportionately for men in every region of the world, and young women and girls account for 76 % infections among African youth and when AIDS affects women, it affects entire families and communities, tearing social safety nets and triggering instability and conflict. "
In 2005, the World AIDS Day statement issued by the World YWCA strongly urged national health ministries, other aid agencies, and international NGOs to purchase at least 180 million second-generation female condoms for annual global distribution. The movement also called upon the government to ensure that female condoms are marketed to women in local communities and promoted as effective methods to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
World YWCA recently held its first international conference on Women and HIV and AIDS. The International Women's Summit on HIV and AIDS featured speakers from UNAIDS, the YWCA, and other global leaders. The Positive Women Forum, held on the first day, was organized by and for HIV-positive women; more than 300 women attended.
Refugees
While YWCAs, at various levels, were active with refugees for some time, the issue took a major focus during the Israeli War of Independence. The movement was officially declared in 1949 that it would "maintain its impartiality, meet human needs without respect for nationality, race, belief or political belief" with respect to the need to work with everyone. Since then there has been a program to provide income and to meet the basic needs of those living in refugee camps, such as adequate health care, education and literacy, and childcare.
Underpinning refugee work has become a movement for peace and justice. With its roots in 1920, the World YWCA has emphasized peace and justice education as an integral part of the promotion of the human rights movement. The movement officially recognized these concepts as being entangled during a conference in Singapore in 1983, where the statement was made, "No solution can be found for one at the expense of others," in connection with the Arab-Israeli conflict.
Sustainable development
Sustainable development is also a top priority for YWCA. In 1987, World YWCA declared "a broad commitment to development that empowers women to become decision makers and community leaders." This movement emphasizes the gender and human rights approach, recognizing the exploitative and exclusionary factors that perpetuate the feminization of poverty.
World YWCA has been involved in a recent global forum on sustainable development and related issues, and is an active member of the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance, church network and ecumenical organizations working for the recognition of international human rights, social and environmental agreements as a top priority agreements and trade policies. There are YWCA programs for sustainable development in 40 countries, ranging from literacy and building awareness of environmental issues in Papua New Guinea for skills development and job training in Peru.
Racial equality and anti-piracy initiatives
Throughout the course of its existence, YWCA has focused on incorporating racial equations into its framework and objectives. In coordination with this initiative, YWCA focuses on creating campaigns and writing letters to legislators, with a view to passing anti-murder law courts. YWCA's participation in this movement peaked during the 1940s, shortly after the start of the Second World War. "In 1940, a National Council commission was tasked with mobilizing decisive integration work at the YWCA.The group designed an 'Interracial Charter' which called for full integration of black women into the life of the YWCA and promised a collective YWCA effort against racial prejudice. Although these efforts are unsuccessful at the National level, they raise awareness and reaffirm the mission of the organization.
Partner organization
As a young women's leadership principle, YWCA World is involved with other youth organizations, such as Youth Employment Net, the European Youth Forum, and the World Guide Girl Girls and Girl Scouts. It is also a member of CONGO, Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations in Consultative Relations with the United Nations.
Maps YWCA
Program
YWCA Week Without Violence
Every year during the third week of October, YWCA around the world focuses on raising awareness about violence against women. YWCA Week Without Violence was launched in 1995 and has grown from grassroots initiative into a global movement with women, men and children participating in events in more than 20 countries. YWCA Canada in particular has a strong program to deal with domestic violence. YWCA is Canada's largest national shelter (45 facilities in 24 locations) and subsidized housing for homeless women and women escaping violence.
The Unit of Violence Against Women in Shreveport, Louisiana, previously directed by socialite and civilian figure Susybelle Lyons. In 1996, he and Marilyn Joiner were co-chiefs of a $ 1.1 million capital campaign for the Shreveport branch of the YWCA.
Prayer Week YWCA
Beginning in 1904, the World YWCA and the World Alliance of YMCAs have issued joint appeals for prayer during the Week of Prayer and World Fellowship. During this week, two movements pray and act together on a particular theme in solidarity with members and partners around the world. The week-long event is a Bible lesson based on the theme of the year.
World YWCA Day
At the 1947 World Council meeting in Hangzhou, China, a decision was made to establish the Annual YWCA Membership Celebration. The 1947 Council requested the Executive Committee to assume responsibility for the design of the celebration, and in 1948 the Advisory Group of the Executive Committee conducted a survey among state associations and defined the names, purposes, and timing of the annual event to be held shortly.. World YWCA Observation Day was born, to help every member see how he can act locally in relation to the theme for this year. Wednesday or Thursday of the last week of April is selected as the date of Observation Day each year.
In 1949, a Planning Group was formed, representing national associations, members of the Executive Committee and World YWCA staff. Some of the themes chosen for the Day of Observation are: My Faith and My Work, My Place in the World, My Contribution to World Peace, I Am Facing a Changing World, Toward One World and My Duties in Family Life Today.
In 1972, the Executive Committee decided that the name of the event would be changed to World YWCA Day and the theme would be chosen by the Executive Committee of various programs decided by the World Council. The Task Force of the Executive Committee of 1989 decided that the date of celebration for World YWCA Day is April 24th.
World YWCA Council
The World Council is the legislative and regulatory authority of the World YWCA. During the event, representatives of member associations gathered and selected the World YWCA Board, set policies and set priorities for the coming years.
- Royal Holloway College, England - 1955
- Cuernavaca, Mexico - 1959
- Nyborg Strand, Denmark - 1963
- Melbourne, Australia - 1967
- Accra, Ghana - 1971
- Vancouver, Canada - 1975
- Athens, Greece - 1979
- Singapore, Singapore - 1983
- Phoenix, Arizona USA - 1987
- Stavanger, Norway - 1991
- Seoul, Korea - 1995
- Cairo, Egypt - 1999
- Brisbane, Australia - 2003
- Nairobi, Kenya - 2007
- Zurich, Switzerland - 2011
- Bangkok, Thailand - 2015
The latest YWCA World Council takes place in Bangkok, Thailand with the Bold theme and Transformative Leadership - Towards 2035. This is hosted by the YWCA Thailand on 11-16 October 2015. In total, 477 Association Members from 73 countries attended the event, and before the Council was opened, there were also the Young Women Forum for two days.
The next World Council will be hosted by YWCA South Africa in 2019 in Johannesburg.
History
The YWCA can trace its history back to 1855 when philanthropist Lady Mary Jane Kinnaird founded the North London House for nurses traveling to or from the Crimean War. They discussed the needs of single women coming from rural areas to join industrial labor in London, offering housing, education and support with a "warm Christian atmosphere." The Kinnaird Organization joined the Prayer Society started by evangelist Emma Robarts in 1877.
In 1884, YWCA was restructured. Until then London had almost a separate organization, but now there is one YWCA organization. Below there are separate staff and President for London, England and Wales, Scotland, Ireland, "Foreigners" and Colonial & amp; Missionaries. The organization distributes Christian texts and literature, but also interviews young women in an effort to improve living conditions. In 1884 they worked among Scottish fishermen, publishing their own magazines and operating women's restaurants in London. This work was launched when women were said to be abducted into prostitution (White Slavery). In 1886, the British government raised the age of consent from 13 to 16.
World YWCA was founded in 1894, with the United States, Britain, Norway and Sweden as founding mothers.
The first YWCA world conference was held in 1898 in London, with 326 participants from seventeen countries from all over the world. That is an important point in the establishment of the World YWCA, cementing the principle of unity based on service and belief on a global scale. The motto of YWCA: "Not by force or strength, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord Almighty" (Zechariah, 4,6)
At the beginning of the 20th century, a major shift began within the YWCA. While industrialization has been a major concern of the association, it has sought primarily to protect women morally and socially from urban life. During the 1910 World YWCA conference in Berlin, however, the voices of thousands of working women from the United States were heard, and this goal began to change. An enacted resolution that requires associations to study social and industrial issues, and to educate women working on "social measures and laws enacted for them." Thus the social consciousness of YWCA is born in the form it preserves today.
Until the 1930 World YWCA headquarters was in London. The executive committee is wholly British, with the Secretary-General of America. This policy produces a stern Anglo-Saxon lens in which associations view the world. However, in 1930, the YWCA World Headquarters was moved to Geneva, Switzerland, the same city as the newly formed League of Nations. This is a symbol of the drive to become more diverse associations, and also to cooperate fully with other organizations in Geneva (such as the International Committee of the Red Cross and YMCA.)
World War II
The Second World War reinforced the world's YWCA, and left its mark. Many of its members find it necessary to choose between their conscience and the safety of themselves and their families. In some countries, especially in Eastern Europe, the YWCA is suppressed and dissolved. But throughout occupied Europe, women work non-stop to build support systems for their neighbors and refugees, often with very limited resources.
Shortly after the end of the war, the YWCA worked to fortify women's bonds around the world by holding the first World Council meeting in nearly a decade in Hangzhou in 1947. This was important in becoming the first World Council to be held outside the West, and subsequently voiced a desire to be an inclusive and global movement. It also serves to unite the women who live in the enemy countries during the war, and to raise awareness among the western YWCA that the destruction of war is not limited to Europe.
Over the next decade, World YWCA spends a lot of time researching and working on the issues of refugees, health, HIV and AIDS, literacy, women's and girls' rights, women's progress and poverty eradication; reciprocal service, sustainable development and environment; education and youth, peace and disarmament, and leadership of young women. These issues continue to play an integral role in the YWCA World movement.
YWCA around the world
YWCA is present in more than 120 countries.
United Kingdom
Organizations (formerly YWCA England & Wales; ), YWCA Scotland, and independent YWCA in the UK formed an umbrella organization, YWCA of Great Britain .
England and Wales
The YWCA was founded as two separate organizations in 1855 in London by two women (see below).
The organization changed its name to Platform 51 in December 2010 to reflect a change of attitude and to differentiate itself from the YMCA, and because women and girls who use charity want it. The name reflects the proportion of the world's population that is female. Branded charity organizations still have affiliation with national and international YWCA umbrella organizations.
In August 2013, the organization chose to change its name again, from Platform 51 to Young Women Trust , and transferred most of its operations to The Cyrenians (now known as Changing Lives).
Activities and services
The organization provides accredited courses and information, advice, and guidance for women from disadvantaged communities. Platform 51 helps women to make informed decisions about their lives and maintain healthy relationships. Organizations are campaigning with them to change the lives of women in England and Wales. Organizations regularly organize events where women are given the opportunity to talk about things that are important to them. For example, the Wise Up program gives girls the ability and confidence to MPs and Ministers, providing TV, radio and press interviews, organizing functions and delivering group sessions. Participants develop skills in leadership, communication, teamwork and self-motivation.
Services provided for young women include informal education, information and advice on all sorts of things, courses, workshops and drop-in sessions, counseling and one-on-one sessions and crÃÆ'¨ches. The YWCA service is accessible in 14 centers across England and Wales; in the areas of Government in the Southwest, London, Southeast, East and West Midlands, North West, Yorkshire and Humber in England and in South Wales.
Success
The new YWCA campaign includes more than one Rung campaign. It calls for help for young women to gain skills and training so they can work their way out of the ladder of the career ladder. More Than One Rung Campaigns led to, among other things, an increase in the minimum wage for interns from Ã, Â £ 80 per week to Ã, Â £ 95 a week. YWCA also conducts a Young Mums Respect campaign that works to get better support for teenage mothers. Since 2004, YWCA has campaigned for young mothers to get Child Support before pregnancy rather than after the baby was born. In 2009 mothers were able to claim Health in a Pregnancy Grant from the 25th week of pregnancy (this is similar to the pregnancy premium for Revenue Support requested by the YWCA through the Young Mums Respect campaign).
Based on his work for the welfare and development of young people, YWCA UK & amp; Wales is a member of the National Council for Voluntary Youth Service (NCVYS).
Australia
The first YWCA in Australia was founded in 1880. It advocates the interests of women and girls and provides "rural and urban a wide range of community programs and services". There are 11 branches operating throughout Australia in 2017.
Frances Gertrude Kumm was the national president, 1945-1951, and, vice president of the world, South Pacific Region, 1951-1955.
China
The YWCA in China was founded in the early 20th century and is an important place for social reform and the advancement of women's status. Although the organization was founded by foreign workers, the leadership was immediately taken over by Chinese women. In the 1920s, YWCA organizers Deng Yuzhi (Cora Deng) were instrumental in organizing female factory workers in Shanghai and supporting the emerging revolutionary forces. The YWCA in China currently has associations in Beijing and Shanghai.
AS
Founded in 1858, YWCA USA has 225 national associations at over 1,300 sites serving more than 2 million women and families. The association is configured into 9 areas until 2012, when the YWCA reorganizes with the new CEO and removes the regional structural system. Areas vary in size from 19 associations (New England) to 60 associations (Great Lakes). The other regions averaged 32 associations each. By 2015, the association has more than 12,000 staff members and 44,000 volunteers. The YWCA logo was created in 1988 by Saul Bass.
Prior to the Civil Rights Movement, some YWCA facilities were separated or operated as separate organizations. Advocates include Helen L. Seaborg in Washington, D.C. work successfully to mediate the merger between separate groups. Today, YWCA USA works to eliminate racism and empower women.
YWCA USA is one of the oldest and largest women's organizations in the country, serving more than 2 million women, girls, and their families. YWCA USA associations focus their work in three areas: Racial and Civil Rights, Women's and Girl's Economic Empowerment and Advancement, and Health and Safety of Women and Girls.
YWCA USA is the largest provider of domestic violence and shelter programs in the United States, serving more than ½ million women and children. By comparison, the largest national hotline averages 192,000 calls per year. It is one of the 25 largest charities in the US, with total revenues in 2014 of $ 776 million.
YWCA New York City, the oldest US YWCA, is 150 years old. The organization is unique because it is guided purely by a human-oriented program rather than a physical service. These include the Early Learning Center, the Family Resource Center, the Overseas Program, the Profession Development Program, and the Women Employment Program. Such programs continue YW's mission to eliminate racism and empower women. They are a major component of the nonprofit community in New York City. They produce several fundraising events each year.
Women of Distinction is an awards program started in 2012 and sponsored by the national office of YWCA USA. The award name appears to be borrowed from YMCA Canada.
Canada
Agnes Blizzard organized the first Canadian YWCA member association in two rented rooms in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1870. Other early YWCA member associations began in Toronto (1873), Montreal (1875), Quebec City and Halifax (both 1875). Adelaide Hoodless, the second president of the Hamilton member association, Ontario of the YWCA, was a key figure in organizing the national YWCA agency in 1895.
Women of Distinction is an award given to prominent women about 60% of the local branch of YWCA in Canada. In addition to honoring women who have made a significant contribution to their community, award dinner is one of the most important fundraising events for YWCA Canada.
Leadership since 1855
See also
- YMCA
- List of recreational organizations
References
Bibliography
- Mary S. Sims, YWCA: An Unspecified Destination (New York: Woman's Press, 1950)
- Mary S. Sims, The Purpose Widens, 1947-1967 (New York: YWCA, 1969)
- Anna Rice, History of Young Women's World Women's Association (New York: Woman's Press 1947)
- Karen Garner, Global Feminism, and Postwar Reconstruction: World YWCA Visit to Occupied Japan, 1947
- Carole Seymour-Jones, Journey of Faith: The History of the World YWCA 1945-1994 (London: Allison & Busby 1994)
- Dorothea Browder, Christian Solution from Working Situation: How Women Workers Reshape the YWCA Religions and Politics of Religion (Women's History Journal, Vol 19, Summer 2007)
- List of other YWCA articles
Archive
- Notes of the Young Christian Women's Association (University of Washington). 1903-1982. 50.6 cubic feet. In the Washington Labor Archives, the University of Washington Specialty Library Collection.
External links
- The official YWCA world website
- The official website of YWCA Canada
- YWCA USA official website
- Catalog of the YWCA UK archive, held at the Modern Records Center, University of Warwick
- YWCA from U.S. Recordings, 1855-, Sophia Smith Collection, Smith College.
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