The Forum is a two-day training event organised by and for young women from diverse backgrounds and cultures. The event will explore issues of concern to young women, find solutions, and develop skills and knowledge to equip participants to become effective agents of change. In addition, the Forum will ensure young women’s issues and priorities are integrated into the broader agenda of the YWCA movement.

Challenging speakers, thought-provoking sessions, intercultural events and lots of fun and socialising are anticipated during the Forum. This is the event for young women, both in the YWCA and from partner organisations, who are committed to advancing the rights of young women and contributing to the future of the women’s movement.

Objectives

The Forum proposes to:

1. Promote young women’s voices from around the world, celebrate diversity and encourages dialogue enhanced by different opinions and approaches.
2. Discuss issues of concern to young women and identify solutions. The issues include:
3. Share successful models, tools and best-practices lead by young women to assist participants to evaluate their programmes and conceptualise and design new ones.
4. Ensure the active involvement of young women in decision-making processes of the World Council.

The Forum will explore:

• Violence against women

• Sexual and reproductive health

• Developing a culture of peace

• Human rights

• Economic justice

• HIV and AIDS

• Self esteem and body image

The Forum will motivate young women to lead change on key issues affecting their lives and communities. It will provide skills to design, implement and evaluate programmes that empower other young women and girls; it's a chance to develop friendships and global networks for peer support and learning. Young women participant will have the skills to influence decision-making in the YWCA Movement, ensuring their issues are addressed at World Council.