We want women shaping communities as decision-makers

The YWCA encourages skilled and experienced women to assist and empower other women and girls to develop personally and professionally.

Here are some Australian YWCA women's leadership programs:

Sassy and Savvy, YWCA Adelaide

'Sassy and Savvy' is a training program offering young women the chance to learn about being a board member on a community organisation or government board. The program provides a free workshop held over two evenings giving an overview of:

  • the skills and knowledge young women bring to a board
  • benefits of board membership for young women
  • how boards work
  • legal obligations of board members
  • effective communication skills for board members

The workshop is designed for young women aged 16-30 years but is also open for other women (at a small cost).   


Women Out Front, YWCA of Canberra

The YWCA of Canberra runs the 'Women Out Front' leadership program each year.

Women Out Front is designed to address the under-representation of women on boards by building the capacity and confidence of women who would like to contribute to community leadership through board and committee membership.

The program develops women’s skills and confidence to take on leadership roles in their community. The program includes forums and workshops on leadership skills, governing an organisation and finance.


Board Traineeships, YWCA of Canberra

The YWCA of Canberra's Board Traineeship Program helps women to gain the skills needed to be a board member on a government board or a community organisation board.

The program offers three  women a year the chance to experience the discussion and decisions of a Board of Governance without the responsibility of being directors.

These traineeships are aimed particularly at women who have had little or no board experience.