Unlocking the Secrets of Success

In this 2004-2005 Annual Review, as we honour the past and celebrate the present, we reflect on the keys to our success and our sustainability over 150 years, to embrace the future stronger, wiser and make a sustained impact.

Since 1855, the YWCA has been at the forefront of assuring the human rights and dignity of women and girls worldwide. Over the last 150 years the world has witnessed great change and a technological revolution; it has survived conflict, natural disaster and catastrophe; seen divisions among nations, cultures and religions, and an everwidening gap between rich and poor. And through all of this, one thing has remained constant – the YWCA.

BUILDING LOCAL CAPACITY

The World YWCA invests in the development of local leadership because this is where we have the greatest potential to bring about change. Our goal is to develop strong leaders, to develop the most effective solutions to the problems facing their communities.

DEVELOPING YOUNG WOMEN

Young women find a special place in the YWCA, where they can learn, grow and have real opportunities to lead change. They make up half of the governing body of the World YWCA, and through leadership training, internships, exchanges, and information technology, the World YWCA is

RESPONDING TO CURRENT ISSUES

With HIV infection rates rising among women and girls in all regions of the world, and young women making up 70% of all new infections among young people in sub-Saharan Africa, the YWCA has made HIV and AIDS a global priority for its work. We recognise our responsibility as one of the largest organisations for women and girls in the world to effect change on one of the most serious threats to women worldwide.

REMAINING FAITHFUL TO OUR VALUE S

Retaining the trust of communities and credibility with partners calls upon the YWCA to adapt to the changing environment in which we work but not be swayed by instabilities. For the YWCA, this has meant being well grounded, consistent and faithful to the values that are our niche.

WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP

The World YWCA has a large agenda to transform the world into a better place for all people, and we know that no organisation can do this alone. By choosing strategic partnerships across all sectors, we are developing stronger strategies and expanding our outreach and impact on the lives of women and girls.

THINKING BIG AND BOLD

An organisation that remains over time is one that is able to plan for the future, while responding to the issues of the present. The YWCA has always been guided by this philosophy in its planning, which created the motivation for a global campaign to establish a permanent fund of US $25 million for the leadership development of women and girls.

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