Gender discrimination and all other forms of discrimination, in particular, racism, xenophobia and related intolerance continue to threaten women’s enjoyment of their human rights and fundamental freedoms. Discriminatory legislation as well as harmful traditional and customary practices and negative stereotyping of women also undermine women’s human rights. In many countries, illiteracy, poverty and lack of information reduce women’s access to the legal redress, and leave them vulnerable to exploitation.

The World YWCA was one of the first organisations to bring women’s human rights onto the United Nations agenda. YWCA leaders chaired the very first international conference on women and influenced many of the early resolutions and priorities of the UN Commission on the Status of Women.

"WE CANNOT BE SILENT. Every day, women are abused, violated, infected and are struggling to feed themselves and their families. The YWCA speaks out on these issues because we are among those who are most affected. We also provide the space for women to share our stories and work together to change the societies that create so much suffering among women."
-- Mónica Zetzsche, President, World YWCA, 2003-2007