VISION :

A fully inclusive world where justice, peace, health, human dignity, freedom and care for the environment are promoted and sustained through women’s leadership.

PURPOSE :

The World YWCA unites national associations in a worldwide women’s volunteer membership movement. Inspired by the Christian faith, the purpose of the World YWCA is to develop the leadership and collective power of women and girls around the world to achieve human rights, health, security, dignity, freedom, justice and peace for all people.

Goal 1: Advocacy and Services

The World YCWA promotes social, economic, cultural, religious and political rights of women and girls through advocacy and related programmes and services. The World YWCA has consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and Education, Cultural and Scientific Organisation (UNESCO) and acts as a voice for women at the United Nations participating annually at the UN Commissions on the Status of Women, Human Rights Council and other global policy forums.

Priority Advocacy areas :
» HIV and AIDS, Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights
» Eliminate Violence Against Women, promote women in peace building
» Ensure economic justice

In its advocacy, the World YWCA focus is on three key messages:
1. Invest in women and girl
2. Ensure the safety and security of women and girls
3. End stigma and discrimination

Goal 2: Leadership and Training

The World YWCA builds the leadership of women and girls to develop the most effective solutions to the issues affecting their lives and communities. With an established record as a training ground for leaders, the YWCA international and regional training institutes ensure women, including young women, have the opportunity to learn and grow.

Young women are a major focus of YWCA leadership activities. As young women play a central role in sustaining the work of the World YWCA, the movement has a constitutional mandate to allocate 25% of all decision-making positions to young women under 30 years old.

Goal 3: Good Governance and Accountability

The World YWCA has developed a practical guide to ensure a level of management and practise that is effective and efficient. By adopting The Standards of Good Management and Accountability for YWCAs, member associations are able to strength and scale up the impact and outreach of their programmes and services.

VALUES :

Principles we value :

• Our worldwide solidarity as a women’s volunteer membership movement
• Our history and foundation in the Christian faith
• Diversity, inclusiveness, tolerance and mutual respect
• Integrity and responsible accountability

Actions we value :

• Self determination of women and girls in all areas of life
• Leadership which improves the status of women and girls around the world
• Young women’s leadership
• Care for the environment