World YWCA

YWCA Australia is part of a global network, delivering social and economic change for women and girls all over the world. We’re committed to honouring our connection and contribution to this movement, and to being an instrumental part of a global push for change.  

We are proud to have YWCA Canberra and YWCA Hunter Region as Affiliates and both these organisations collectively work towards our goal to positively impact the lives of women, young women and girls.

Strategic Priorities

In December 2017 the World YWCA Board approved new strategic priorities for the World Office, including:  

  • Mobilising millions of young women for transformational change and creating a recognisable “brand” identity 
  • Connecting women and young women around the world to share skills and supporting them to act through leadership training 
  • Outlining how the World Office will focus on strategically and operationally sustaining the world movement as we move toward Goal 2035 and within the international framework for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

The Board also voted to validate a new affiliation fee formula, simplifying the quota system to be more transparent and achievable.

The World YWCA Board meets face-to-face once per year, and electronically at least three times per year. Recently, the Board has been focusing attention on preparations for the 2019 World Council in November 2019.

Young Women’s Global Advisory Council

In 2017, World YWCA announced the Young Women’s Global Advisory Council, to help deliver on its Goal 2035 of: 

By 2035, 100 million young women and girls transform power structures to create justice, gender equality and a world without violence and war; leading a sustainable YWCA movement, inclusive of all women. 

The Young Women’s Global Advisory Council was established to serve as the voice of young women globally. They advise on transforming the movement with young women at the centre as co-creators in all key strategic areas. The Council has representation from all regions and will consult regionally in advising the Board.

Lisa Gascoigne (right) with Varaidzo Magodo-Matimba (Africa regional representative) at the 38th session of the Human Rights Council in 2018

We’re proud to say that Lisa Gascoigne of YWCA Adelaide was selected to be a part of this council. When asked to share a quote that has inspired her leadership, she said: 

I rise up my voice – not so that I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard.

Malala Yousafzai