Mónica Zetzsche, President of World YWCA expressed her contentment with this significant step in the history of the YWCA saying that “this constitution will have a positive impact on the movement, opening new doors in the 21st century.” Zetzsche said that the changes were needed and she was glad to see that everyone had put there energy into ensuring its success. She also felt that the revised constitution would for better transparency within the movement as well as hasten the decision making processes.

Marie-Claude Julsaint, World YWCA Programme Director for the Americas & Caribbean praised the revised constitution for addressing the challenge of maintaining young leadership within the movement. Recalling the World Council 2003 held in Brisbane, Australia, where 50% of the elected executive committee members were 30 years and below, Julsaint noted that the challenge is in sustaining that record.

Voting was divided into two segments, the main constitution and the Preamble and Basis. The vote for the constitution passed with a 100% vote, a rare and impressive occurrence. Julsaint said “it was really amazing to witness a unanimous vote in favor of the body of the constitution.” Zetzsche commented on the vote for the preamble and basis saying that the decision to accept the amendments allowed women from different Christian backgrounds to identify with YWCA constitution.

The Results of Vote were as follows:

• World YWCA Constitution be amended in its entirety except for the Preamble and Basis

Vote by individual Voting Delegates (required ¾ of votes cast or 234)

- 312 in favor
- No opposition
- No abstentions
- Total votes cast 312

Vote by National Associations (required 2/3 of affiliated national associations or 71 affiliated associations)

- 87 in favor
- No opposition
- No abstentions
- Total votes cast 87

• The Preamble and Basis of the World YWCA Constitution be revised as proposed

Vote by individual Voting Delegates (required ¾ of votes cast or 234)
- 270 in favor
- 32 opposed
- 15 abstained
- Total votes cast 317

Vote by National Associations (required 2/3 of affiliated national associations or 71 affiliated associations)

- 81 in favor
- 8 opposed
- 2 abstentions
- Total votes cast 91

>> Download:

• Constitution World YWCA - English (PDF 32.36 kB)
• Constitution YWCA Mondiale - Français (PDF 35.60 kB)
• Estatutos YWCA Mundial - Español (PDF 34.41 kB)