The YWCA of Korea is a dynamic organization whose 85 year long history is visible in their programmes. Their hallmark programmes include leadership training and capacity building for young women and women in communities. Every woman who takes up a volunteer position at the YWCA of Korea receives training in planning, organising, and implementing programmes, as well as fundraising and people and resource management. Bible studies, worship and other spiritual practices are part of the association’s way of affirming its Christian basis. The YWCA also teaches health and well being through physical exercise and lessons on nutrition and healthy living.

The YWCA of Korea is well recognized in the country for its programmes with children, the elderly and migrants. Through its centers, the YWCA reaches 6,000 youth with programmes on self esteem, volunteer leadership, entrepreneurship and skills development. The YWCA also has feeding programmes for the elderly and services reaching out to women escaping from violence, theses prorgammes are hosted in several facilities owned by the YWCA of Korea including shelters for battered women, and several multi purpose buildings some of which are used by the association while others are rented out. The YWCA of Korea also owns a training camp.

Dr. Eung Park, president of the YWCA of Korea, expressed pride over the rich history of the association at the 85-year celebration.

The prime minister congratulated the YWCA for its work and encouraged the association to seek strong partnership with government and business.

Dr. Kanyoro also congratulated the YWCA of Korea on behalf of the World YWCA and thanked the government for enabling NGOs to carry out their works in the country. Dr. Kanyoro, in her address to the members of the association, spoke on the theme ‘Changing lives Changing Communities’ which she defined as the role of the YWCAs in the 21st century. The General Secretary also briefed those in attendance on the World YWCA Council and International Women’s Summit – the YWCA’s quadrennial assembly meeting to be held in Nairobi, Kenya from July 1-11, 2007.