Young women's leadership policy

The policies affirm the importance of ‘including young women on boards and committees so that they may take their full share in the policy and programmes of the Association.’ However, what the organization has learnt over time is that unless this commitment is enforced through policies, constitutional requirements and reporting mechanisms, current leadership does not step aside and young women are overlooked for leadership positions.

In 1991, the YWCA adopted a 25% minimum representation quota for young women’s participation in all decision making bodies at national and world levels. The motivation: to ensure relevance to the issues and needs of new generations of women; to embrace new ways of thinking and working; and to sustain the future of the organisation and its vision for justice, peace, health, human dignity, freedom and care for the environment’.

The World YWCA’s 25% minimum representation quota is enshrined in the organisation’s policies and constitution, which ensures it governs all election processes and other appointments within the movement. All affiliated associations and the World YWCA Board are also required to report on progress in meeting the quota, as part of mandatory four year reporting.

In 2007, the council elected a World YWCA Board. For the first time in YWCA history, 55% of the Board is made up of young women 30 years old and under. The YWCA is the only youth organisation in the world who can truly say it is led by young people; especially young women.