“I envision that in four years the European YWCAs would have trained more young women who will be motivated to take leadership positions within YWCAs in Europe, at regional and world levels” the new president said when asked to describe her vision for the YWCAs in Europe. Andersson served as president of the YWCA-YMCA of Sweden for six years between 1997-2003 and was recently the chairperson of the International Committee in Sweden. The accomplished leader has also served on the European YWCAs committee for two years and has continued to be involvement in leadership positions at her local scout association.

“The European YWCAs should become a leader in advocating for women’s human rights within the European civil society and in the regional political arena. I want to see the European YWCAs strengthens its programme capacity and financial base” Andersson stated as she accepted her new role as President of the European YWCA Committee.

The ERM is held every two years as an opportunity for YWCA member associations of Europe to meet and assess their regional work through reports, policy making and strategising, training and sharing.

This year’s ERM was hosted by the YWCA of Finland and organised in collaboration with the World YWCA.