We are an International Movement
The YWCA is an international movement in over 100 countries. It is sustained by a diversity of beliefs, faiths and values and works towards social, political, economic and emotional well being of women. The YWCA of Aotearoa-New Zealand and World YWCA are involved in advocacy in international and national issues affecting young women, women and young people.
New Zealand has a particular commitment to women’s holistic growth and leadership and strong dedication to peace, freedom, justice and dignity for all people.
The YWCA is a leading voice for women in New Zealand providing advocacy as well as successful programmes that improve the lives of women.
While we have embraced new ways of working and are tackling contemporary social issues, we continue to focus on empowering women and girls to lead social change.
Each year we witness the positive impact of our focus on women’s leadership. Women are leading long term sustainable change in their local communities, and developing effective responses to issues such as unemployment, disenfranchisement, mental health problems, and disconnectedness.
The YWCA is about helping women and girls develop into leaders who work for change in their communities, often in difficult and challenging conditions.
Philosophy
Our development philosophy emphasises women-centered, sustainable and participatory processes and works to achieve justice, peace, good health, human dignity, freedom and care for the environment.
The YWCA has been part of every major change for women since the Dunedin YWCA was established in 1878 as the first YWCA of the Southern Hemisphere. Countless women leaders over the last century owe their leadership training to the YWCA of Aotearoa-New Zealand.
The National Office services the Member Associations with resources, information, training, organises national meetings, coordinates the national working parties and the National Executive and has a key advocacy role for the rights of women and young women at a national level and international level.
The YWCA of Aotearoa-New Zealand is committed to six core values for which we are accountable to young women, volunteers and the nine local associations their community and our key stake holders. These are the things we value and which guide our objectives and actions.