National feminist organisation YWCA Australia is calling on young women across the country to put their hand up and act on gender equality. Applications to join their Young Women’s Council have now opened.
YWCA Australia’s Young Women’s Development Manager Sarah Hill said that the Young Women’s Council was a great development opportunity for young women passionate about gender equality, feminism and creating a better society.
“Our Young Women’s Council members have done public advocacy like appearing on ABC’s Q&A, on the front pages of newspapers discussing key advocacy issues and presented or spoken at large events,” she said.
“Week to week, Council members also have the opportunity to contribute to what YWCA does as a young women’s organisation. Our Council members advise us on our feminist policy, advocacy, communications, events, and help to shape new programs, services and initiatives.”
First formed in 2018 after the national merger of eight member associations into one national YWCA Australia, the Young Women’s Council is made up of eighteen young women and girls aged between 12 and 30 years old. They represent all states and territories and bring their own unique lived experiences to their time on the Council.
“Half of our current cohort on the Council will complete their term in November. We’re now seeking nine new members to join the Council for a two-year term,” says Ms. Hill.
“It’s an exciting opportunity. In 2021, we expect that our Young Women’s Council members will have many opportunities to contribute to national advocacy campaigns which will affect the lives of millions of women and young women across Australia. One example of this is our continued advocacy for a gender-responsive approach to pandemic policy.”
Importantly, Ms. Hill stresses that young women with diverse lived experiences, identities and backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply, including those who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, living with a disability, LGBTIQA+ or from a culturally and linguistically diverse background.
“We want our Young Women’s Council to be truly representative of young women across Australia – and that means ensuring that young women from communities who often don’t have access to opportunities and platforms take up roles as leaders in our feminist movement.”
Applications to join the Young Women’s Council are open now and close at 5pm on 3 September. To find out more, visit ywca.org.au/opportunities.
